All classification decisions are based on the BBFC’s published and regularly updated guidelines. The guidelines are the product of extensive public consultation, research and the accumulated experience of the BBFC over many years. They reflect current views on film, DVD and video game regulation.

 

This guidance is not met by all, however and is normally broken. This therefore causes desensitisation of the general public and causes the rating to keep on decreasing in time. The following graphic shows the current age regulations for films in the UK.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These stand for

U - Universal

P - Parental guidance

12A -  Cinema release suitable for 12 years and over, However under 12 can go to the cinema to watch with an accompaning adult.

12 - Video release suitable for 12 years and over

15 - Suitable only for 15 years and over

18 - Suitable only for adults (18 years and over)

 

 

History

The history of film classification is an interesting one with several changes happening along the way to create stricter rules and regulations.

 

In 1913, films had two different ratings. They were U for Universal meaning that anyone could watch with no graphic scenes and was suitable for children all the way up to adults. There was also A standing for Adulterated meaning there were scenes of a graphic nature so therefore only allowed for adults were able to see the film. In the BBFC it doesn't explain what the age ratings were so I'm guessing back in  1913 they just judged entry by appearance.

 

The next significant change was in 1932 where the label of H for Horrific come into place. This indicated that there was some advisory viewing and that the film contained scenes of horror and may not been suitable for all. In 1951 the H changed to X meaning that there was now an age restriction on the entry of films. This was limited to those over 16 years old.

 

Not a lot changed within the next few years until 1970 where several changes were made. The universal and adult films still stayed the same, however, new regulations have been implemented when it comes to restricted films. They brought in the AA meaning that there was admission to children of 14 years or older and then there was a change to the X rating pushing the age allowance to 18. 

 

 

This lasted for 12 years until 1982 where the title of PG came into play and this stood for parental guidance. Also age ratings of 15 and 18 came in with the restricted 18 being the first restriction that meant that there was explicit sexual content.

 

Soon after in 1989 the 12 rating come out  which became a distinctive feature of the age ratings. With a few tweaks here and there they had made the regulations as we know today.  The only major change happened in 2002 where 12A was introduced. This allowed children under 12 to go see the film with an adult present. 

 

 

For all the information about the history of ratings click on the button below.