History of the BBFC: 2000s

New Guidelines:

In 1999, the Board embarked on an extensive consultation process to gauge public opinion before the compilation of new Classification Guidelines. The major outcomes were:

• that the depiction of drugs and drugs use was the cause of greatest concern to parents
• the issue of violence in the lower classification categories was similarly concerning
• use of bad language on screen provoked a range of responses, reflecting varying tolerances in the general public.
• Portrayal of sexual activity, however caused less concern than previously.

The DCMS and Ofcom: 

In June 2001, governmental responsibility for film and video classification moved from the Home Office to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Ofcom is the new regulator for television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services. The regulation of films, videos and DVDs does not fall under Ofcom's remit and remains the responsibility of the BBFC. The BBFC is still the only regulator which regulates material before it is seen by the public.

The '12A' rating

In 2002, the new '12A' category replaced the '12' category for film only, and allows children under 12 to see a '12A' film, provided that they are accompanied throughout by an adult. The decision to introduce this new category was taken after a pilot scheme and research had been conducted to assess public reaction. The new category was also conditional on the provision and publication of Consumer Advice for '12A' films.  The Board considers '12A' films to be suitable for audiences OVER the age of 12, but acknowledges that parents know best whether their children younger than 12 can cope with a particular film.  The first '12A' film was The Bourne Identity. Consumer Advice:

The BBFC lauched website pages such as:

• Parent BBFC
• Children's BBFC
• Consumer Advice

This made the classification system a lot more transparent to the public, helpful for the parents, and educational for children and teenagers.