BBFC and classification of films.

The BBFC is a classification process where its aim is to protect people from harmful content shown in the film industry and it gives consumers vital information that they will need about a particular film or video. The BBFC carefully look at films and decide on suitable age ratings before they are released to protect the public, they ensure that a high level of protection is provided.

How does it work?
Two experienced film examiners watch films that wish to be released and if they fail to agree or have any doubt about the content of the film the film maybe taken to other peoples attention such as the Presidential team to examine the content to a higher level to see what the potential harm maybe.

The BBFC take great care in making sure that the audience agree with the guidelines and what they expect from a certain film. The BBFC every 4 years carry our a public consultation and this is to find our what the public think of film age ratings and to see if what they think fits the publics thoughts. On some occasions the BBFC has changed ratings according to the public as they take into consideration what the general public think and why they think this.

Universal films are seen as acceptable for an audience over the age of four.
In terms of language used in the U rated films there is no mild language used or if there is it is very very little, in terms of sexual content no overt focus on this will be shown. Further more in terms of violence there will be little or very mild acts of violence such as emotional stress but the outcome will be reassuring for the characters.
Universal films tend to consist of a wide range of themes, and they will generally give off a positive message such as friendship and loyalty for a happy ending and any discriminatory language shall not be passed at certificate U.

Parental guardian, other wise known as PG

Pg films are for general viewing and some scenes may not be suitable for very young children as parents should make sure to be of presents when their child is watching these films. Not all PG films are made for a younger audience as films at this certificate can be made for the enjoyment of adults, these films are acceptable for any child around the age of 7.
Mild language can be passed at PG but the context in which it is used determines this, id language is used in an aggressive manor then this will not be passed. Sex references are not passed at PG unless a child may understand. Violence in Pg rated films is mild as no detail will be involved but in terms of comedy or historical settings this is more acceptable, as well as fantasy settings.

12 and 12A films.
12A films may not be suitable for children whom are under the age of 12, also nobody younger may view this film without an adult present and the adult must take into consideration if this film is suitable. Cinema staff reinforce this law but this is hard to enforce in the home environment so this is the reason the DVDs tend to be rated at 12, but as far as retail goes nobody under the age of 12 maybe purchase these films.
In terms of strong language, depending upon the manor and the social contact the film will be passed however if used in an aggressive manor it will typically be classified at a higher certificate.
Verbal sex references will be passed unless it is frequent or crude language then this will not be accepted.
Moderate violence is also accepted in 12 rated films and this should not be detailed but occasional moments will be permitted depending upon the context, but no emphasis on injury pr blood maybe shown. Suicide maybe passed also unless it is detailed then this will not be shown due to children imitating this behavior  and also some horror films will be passed such as psychological as long as scenes are not on going.

15-not suitable for under 15 year olds.

A large amount of string language is acceptable and there is no limit on the amount of language used and also sexual activity can be shown but without strong detail, it is acceptable to an extent but any sting references are unlikely to be passed.
Violence maybe strong in 15 films, but only to an extent, horror films do tend to be passed at certificate 15 also. In terms of drugs, as long as no direct showing of how to consume drugs or misusage of drugs is shown this will be passed, but any misuse of drugs will likely not pass at 15.

18-NOBODY under the age of 18 must see these films.
Strong racist and homophobic references can be used as well as detailed portrayals of sedx and full nudity is prohibited. Real duplications of sexual activity maybe used but if sex works is used then this will be 18R.
In terms of drugs and violence, drug usage will be shown as long as it does not encourage misuse and violence can be used with sting detail and pain and injury can be shown and strong gore. Horror films contain large amounts of gore and threat throughout.