Film Regulation: Thoughts on the Current System

What are the PROS and CONS of the current UK system of film classification?


PROS

• Clear, simple classification system. Gives buyers instant idea of general suitability of the film.
• Parents have a reliable, government-approved authority to trust to rate films correctly for their children.
• The BBFC are not all-powerful - they are answerable to OFCOM and local authorities can overrule BBFC rating decisions in their respective areas.
• The BBFC constantly update their guidelines to keep abreast of the current social climate and any new laws that are passed.

CONS

• The laws against the selling of unsuitable films to children are impossible to enforce and one could argue that the laws primarily exist to protect the government from any damage to society done by films.
• The ratings system is fundamentally flawed in that it assumes all children are the same in terms of sensitivity and fears. It is impossible to quantify what will affect a particular child and what one 6 year-old finds upsetting may not disturb his twin at all.
• The BBFC guidelines and website are not well advertised, so not many parents are aware that extensive information on film classification is available to them. Therefore some of them remain woefully ignorant of film classification guidelines.

Do you think the way films are regulated is sensible, useful to society and achieves its aim of protecting the vulnerable and upholding the law?


I think that the BBFC guidelines are sensible and relevant to modern society. The organisation is very necessary to enforce quality control on all professional films being consumed by the public. The guidelines successfully enforce the law on films passing through the system, making cuts to scenes or even banning works completely. 


However, I do not think the classification system succeeds in its aim of protecting the vulnerable at all. Besides having guidelines that do not take into account different sensitivity levels in children, the UK laws do not stop children watching unsuitable films at all. The internet means that a child can watch anything they want whenever they want, rendering the laws protecting children useless.


Is there anything you think could be done to improve the system?

• Raise public awareness of the BBFC website to reduce parental ignorance
• Police crackdown on illegal video sites - tightening of Digital Economies Bill
• Involve parents more in the rating process. Take public votes into consideration perhaps?

Notable Differences Between Ratings: 18 - R18

18 - R18


While 18s are still ordinary films with adult content, the R18 category exists purely for sex works.

• Clear images of real sex are allowed, unlike at 18.
• May not breach any criminal laws.
• Abusive behaviour is not acceptable.

Notable Differences Between Ratings: 15 - 18

15 - 18


At 18, the viewer is considered an adult and is free to choose his/her own entertainment.

• Sexualised violence is allowed at 18.
• Sexual relationships are much more acceptable.
• Risk of harm to society is not allowed however.
• Clear images of real sex are still forbidden.

Notable Differences Between Ratings: 12A - 15

12A - 15


More adult behaviour starts to be portrayed as opposed to merely implied at '15' rating, although strong detail is still prohibited.

• Any level of discrimination is acceptable at 15, as long as it is not endorsed by the work as a whole.
• Drug-taking may be shown in detail at 15, as long as not endorsed by the film as a whole. Any detailed instructional detail of easily accessible drugs, eg. aerosols, puts a film firmly in the '18' category however.
• Stronger threat and horror is permitted, as long as not sexualised.
• The BBFC guidelines on imitable behaviour are almost identical at 12 and 15 rating, except at 15, dangerous behaviour can be seen as 'pain-free'.
• Strong language is more frequent at 15, however the the strongest words (eg. 'cunt') are not generally acceptable unless justified by the context.
• Nudity is allowed in a sexual context at 15, yet must be without strong detail.
• Sexual activity may be also be portrayed without strong detail.
• No theme is prohibited at 15, yet the treatments must be suitable for 15 year olds
• Stronger violence is allowed at 15, so long as it doesn't dwell upon infliction of pain or injury. Sexual violence begins to be allowed at 15, yet must still be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

Notable Differences Between Ratings: PG - 12A

PG - 12A


The step from PG to 12A is quite significant. Treatments are now aimed at young teenagers rather than children.

• Discriminatory language can be more aggressive at 12A rating, however it must not be endorsed by the work as a whole.
• Drug misuse may be portrayed as opposed to merely referenced at 12A.
• Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at 12A rating, yet disturbing sequences still must not be prolonged.
• More detailed dangerous imitable behaviour is allowed at 12A as long as not dwelled upon.
• 'Moderate' language is allowed at 12A as opposed to 'mild' at PG and occasional strong language (eg. 'fuck') is permitted.
• No sexual context is permitted with regards to nudity up until 12A, where it is permitted as long as brief and discreet.
• Sexual activity starts to be allowed to be portrayed as opposed to merely referenced or implied at 12A, but in a discreet manner.
• More mature themes are acceptable at 12A and their treatment should be suitable for young teenagers as opposed to children.
• Moderate violence is more acceptable at 12A as long as not dwelled upon. Sexual violence can be implied.

Notable Differences Between Ratings: U - PG

U - PG

The main difference between these two ratings is the frequency with which unsuitable material is allowed to be shown.

• At 'U', NO discriminatory language or behaviour is allowed unless clearly disapproved of, whereas at 'PG' it is just 'unlikely to be acceptable'.
• At 'U', drug references must be less frequent than at 'PG'.
• At 'PG', fantasy settings can be a mitigating factor for more sustained and frightening sequences, however all horror must be very mild and brief at 'U' rating.
• The level of detail allowed in depiction of imitable behaviour is more lenient at 'PG' than at 'U' rating.
• The acceptable frequency of bad language is more lenient at 'PG'.
• At 'U' rating, any natural nudity must be 'occasional', while at 'PG' it is not specified.
• Physical sexual activity may be discussed implicitly at 'PG', however at 'U' only references to 'making love' are allowed.
• More serious themes are allowed at 'PG' than at 'U', however their treatment must still be appropriate for young children.
• Violence at 'U' rating must be 'mild', while at 'PG' it can be 'moderate' if in context and without detail.

'R18' Rating

Overview

The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. ‘R18’ video works may not be supplied by mail order. The following content is not acceptable:

• any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959
• material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity (for example, paedophilia, incest or rape) which may include adults role-playing as non-adults
• the portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent (whether real or simulated). Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent
• the infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for moderate, non-abusive, consensual activity
• penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm
• any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable.

These Guidelines will be applied to the same standard regardless of sexual orientation.

'18' Rating

Overview

No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema.

No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.

In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

• where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence
• where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault
• where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.

In the case of video works (including video games), which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.

Sex education at ‘18’

Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted.

Sex works at ‘18’

Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’. Sex works containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’ category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex work at ‘R18’ is also unacceptable in a sex work at ‘18’.

'15' Rating

Overview

No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

Criteria

Discrimination

The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

Drugs

Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

Horror

Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language

There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’). The strongest  terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity

Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex

Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely  to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme

No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

Violence

Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

'12A' Rating

Overview


The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.


Criteria

Discrimination

Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.

Drugs

Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.

Horror

Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free.  Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language

Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.

Nudity

Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.

Sex

Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme

Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.

Violence

Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.

'PG' Rating

Overview

‘PG’ stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive children.

Criteria

• Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in an educational or historical context.  Discrimination by a character with which children can readily identify is unlikely to be acceptable
• References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message
• Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor
• No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons
• Mild bad language only
• Natural nudity, with no sexual context
• Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only
• Where more serious issues are featured (for example, domestic violence) nothing in their treatment should condone unacceptable behaviour
• Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its context (for example, history, comedy or fantasy)

'U' Rating

Overview

The ‘U’ symbol stands for ‘Universal’.

A ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range.

Criteria

• Set within a positive moral framework with reassuring counterbalances to any threat
• No discriminatory language or behaviour unless clearly disapproved of
• No references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse unless there is a very clear anti-drugs or educational message which will be understood by a younger audience.
• Mild violence only - occasional threat or mild menace.
• Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context
• Mild sexual behaviour, eg. kissing is permitted and references only to eg. 'making love'
• Infrequent use of only very mild bad language, eg. 'damn' and 'hell'
• While problematic themes may be present, their treatment must be suitable for young children
• No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons

Main Issues in Film Classification - Video Games

Video games

Video games are classified under the same Guidelines and using the same categories as ‘linear’ works such as film or DVD.

The BBFC acknowledges the difference between watching a film or DVD and the more interactive experience of playing a game but recognises that, to date, limited research has been done into whether ‘interactivity’ has any significant effect on the potential for harm.

In addition, the interactivity inherent in video games may, in certain contexts, lead to a greater potential for some content to be considered unsuitable for certain age groups. The ability of a game to make a young player complicit in behaviour involving, for example:

• sex
• drugs
• realistic violence

...may be as important as the level of detail shown, especially where such behaviour forms a major component of the game, and where the level of interactivity is high.

In a video game, the frequency with which an issue occurs is also often difficult to quantify, as it will depend on how the player chooses to play the game, and how many times a particular level is attempted before completion.

Where frequency is a category defining issue (for example, with respect to strong language), the BBFC bases its judgement on an assessment of the frequency with which a player is likely to encounter the issue during normal gameplay.

Given the lack of research, especially in relation to harm, and given the rapid developments in the sophistication of video games, the BBFC may take a more cautious approach when a video game lies on the borderline between two categories, or contains material which raises issues of acceptability at the adult categories.

Main Issues in Film Classification - Public information advertisements/charity advertisements

Public information advertisements/charity advertisements

Where an advertisement is part of a public information campaign or has a charitable purpose, the more restrictive approach set out above will not normally apply. However, potentially shocking or offensive content in such advertisements must not go beyond what is likely to be acceptable to the particular audience.

Main Issues in Film Classification - Trailers/Advertisements

Trailers/advertisements

Audiences actively choose to see a full length feature based on expectations of the particular genre at the given classification and on the Consumer Advice and Extended Classification Information provided by the BBFC.

In contrast, audiences have no choice about the accompanying trailers or advertisements which may be very different in tone and content to the film the audience has chosen to view. In addition, because trailers and advertisements are short and self-contained, borderline material is less likely to be justified by context and more likely to cause offence.

For these reasons, classification decisions for trailers and advertisements may be more restrictive than for equivalent material in a main feature, for example:

• strong language is not permitted in trailers or advertisements at any category below ‘15’
• only one use of strong language is permitted in a trailer or advertisement at ‘15’ and must be neither threatening nor aggressive.

Advertisements for alcohol of any type can be passed at any category.  However, these may receive a more restrictive classification if there are overt attempts to associate alcohol with sexual prowess and/or a glamorous or successful lifestyle.

Advertisements for tobacco are prohibited by law.

The BBFC is not responsible for the exhibition of cinema trailers and advertisements, including alcohol advertising, and has no involvement in deciding which films they appear before. This process is the responsibility of the cinema.

Main Issues in Film Classification - Titles

Titles

If the title of a work incites hatred on grounds of:

• race
• religion
• sexual orientation
• incites other criminal behaviour
• encourages an interest in abusive or illegal sexual activity

...changes will be required as a condition of classification.

If the title of a work is likely to cause significant offence to a significant number of people if displayed in a public place, the distributor will be advised to consider carefully the places in which it is likely to be seen and to take appropriate action, for example by obscuring certain words on packaging or marketing materials. (This advice is not given in relation to works classified ‘R18’ as such works can only be supplied or offered for supply in a licensed sex shop.)

In extreme cases, assurances on public display of the full title, or changes to the title, may be required as a condition of classification.

Main Issues in Film Classification - Violence

Violence

Violence has always been a feature of entertainment for children and adults. Classification decisions will take account of the degree and nature of any violence in a work.

Works which feature the following are likely to receive more restrictive classifications:

• portrayal of violence as a normal solution to problems
• heroes who inflict pain and injury
• callousness towards victims
• encouragement of aggressive attitudes
• content which depicts characters taking pleasure in pain or humiliation.

Sexualised violence or works which glorify or glamorise violence will receive a more restrictive classification and may even be cut.

A strict policy on sexual violence and rape is applied. Content which might eroticise or endorse sexual violence may require cuts at any classification level. This is more likely with video works than film because of the potential for replaying scenes out of context. Any association of sex with non-consensual restraint, pain or humiliation may be cut.

Main Issues in Film Classification - Theme

Theme

Classification decisions will take into account the theme of a work, but will depend significantly on the treatment of that theme, and especially the sensitivity of its presentation. However, the most problematic themes, eg:

• drug abuse
• sexual violence
• paedophilia
• incitement to racial hatred or violence

are unlikely to be appropriate at the most junior levels of classification.

Correspondingly, there is no reason in principle why most themes, however difficult, could not be presented in a manner which allowed classification at ‘18’ or even ‘15’.

Main Issues in Film Classification - Sex

Sex

The portrayal of sexual activity can range from kissing and verbal references to ‘making love’, to detail of real sex.  This is reflected in the classification system, in which progressively stronger portrayals are allowed as the categories rise.

Sex works (works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation) are likely to be passed only in the adult categories.

Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’.  Sex works containing:

• clear images of real sex
• strong fetish material, 
• sexually explicit animated images
• other very strong sexual images

will be confined to the ‘R18’ category. ‘R18’ video works may be supplied only in licensed sex shops which no one under 18 may enter.

‘R18’ films may be shown only in specially licensed cinemas.

These Guidelines will be applied to the same standard regardless of sexual orientation.

Main Issues in Film Classification - Nudity

Nudity

Natural nudity with no sexual context is acceptable at all classification levels, but will not occur more than occasionally in the lowest category.

Nudity with a sexual context will receive a more restrictive classification and strong detail in such a context will only be passed in the adult categories.

Main Issues in Film Classification - Language

Language

Many people are offended, some of them deeply, by bad language. This may include the use of expletives with a sexual, religious or racial association, offensive language about minority groups and commonly understood rude gestures.

The extent of that offence may vary according to:

• age
• gender
• race
• background
• beliefs
• expectations brought by viewers to the work
• context in which the word, expression or gesture is used

For these reasons, it is impossible to set out comprehensive lists of words, expressions or gestures which are acceptable at each category. The advice at different classification levels, therefore, provides general guidance taking account of the views expressed in public consultation exercises.