Film Classification: Thoughts on the Current System...

What are the pros and cons of the UK's current system of film classification?

PROS:

• The system is simple and understandable, with clear guidelines and ratings, the BBFC's classification is a good guide to pick an appropriate film of your choice.
• The BBFC do not have the final say; although their ratings are normally justified by thier guidelines, local authourities can still overule a descision by the BBFC in their area.
• The updated guidelines provided and published by the BBFC keep up to date with the current social climate and culture.
• Parents do not have to watch a film first themselves to decide wether or not to let their child watch it, the ratings are clear, and if they won't suffice, there is detailed information about all classified works on the BBFC's website.

CONS:

• Many people, particularly parents, are not aware of all of the information available to them on the BBFC website.
• Some people argue that films should not be classified by age as some children are more mature than others, and all children are afraid of different things.
• The classification ratings are not well enforced - it is all to easy for a  younger child to watch an 18 rated film on the internet or on DVD, fake ID is also used at cinemas and becoming increasingly hard to police. 

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?

On the whole, I believe the BBFC does a very good job of regulating films. The guidelines are clear, current to the modern society, and adheared to consistantly. The guidelines will enforce the law, if that means making cuts to films or banning works altogether. The current classification system is very useful to society as it helps parents let their children watch suitable films for their age without the parent having to watch the film first themselves.

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

More awareness of the information available to the public on the BBFC website would greatly improve the system. All to often have parents complained about the ratings given to certain films by the BBFC without actually viewing any of the information availabe regarding the film. If this information was advertised by the government then complaints by ignorant parents could be reduced.

Ratings: The Differences

U - PG

• The themes at PG can be a little more mature, but the nature of how they are presented is still very mild.
• Sex and Relationships can be more acknowledged at PG however its treatment is still discreet and infrequent.
• At PG mild drug use/reference is more acceptable but still must carry an anti-drug message overall.
• Discriminatory language can be used at PG however its use must have an educational or historical context.
• Violence can be stronger at PG, but still will not dwell on any detail and must be justified by it's context.
• At PG horror can be more frightening but still cannot be prolonged and fantasy is treated less strictly.

PG - 12A

• Discriminatory language/behaviour can progress from PG to 12A however still must not be endorsed by the work as a whole.
• Drug mis-use can be shown at 12A [it cannot at PG]  but must be infrequent and not glamorised.
• Moderate physical and psychological threat may be premitted at 12A but cannot be sustained.
• Imitable behaviour can be shown at 12A.
• Strong glamorisation of accesible weapons is not permitted.
• Moderate language is allowed at 12A - compared to mild infrequent language in a PG.
• Nudity in a sexual content is allowed in a 12A but must be brief and discreet.
• Violence is stronger at 12A but still must not dwell on detail.

12A/12 - 15

• At 15, drug references and taking may be shown, but the film must not promote drugs overall.
• Horror can be stronger and more menacing at 15 then at 12A.
• Glamorisation of easily accessible weapons is not acceptable.
• Language can become more frequent and stronger at 15 depending on its context.
• Nudity is more acceptable at 15 compared to a 12A, and can be shown in a sexual context but still not with the inclusion of strong detail.
• Strong verbal references to sexual behaviour is allowed at 15.

15 - 18 

• At 18, the viewer is considered an adult and so is free to choose their entertainment.
• Risk of harm to society is not acceptable.
• Sexualised violence is allowed at 18.
• The inclusion of sexual relationships is much more acceptable at 18 then at 15. 
• Clear images of real sex is not permitted at 18.
  

18 - R18

• Both 18 and R18 rated works may not breach any criminal laws.
• Sexually abusive behaviour is not acceptable. 
• At R18, real sex is allowed unlike at 18.

R18

To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years.

The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification and 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

18

 

Suitable only for adults.

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

Suitable only for 15 years and over.

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.

 

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

Suitable for 12 years and over

Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.

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.

The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

 

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.

Parental Guidance

General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

 

Discrimination

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.

 

Drugs

References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.

 

Horror

Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.

 

Imitable behaviour

No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons.

 

Language

Mild bad language only.

 

Nudity

Natural nudity, with no sexual context.

 

Sex

Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only.

 

Theme

Where more serious issues are featured (for example, domestic violence) nothing in their treatment should condone unacceptable behaviour.

 

Violence

Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its context (for example, history, comedy or fantasy).

Universal – Suitable for all

It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

 

Discrimination

No discriminatory language or behaviour unless clearly disapproved of.

 

Drugs

No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless they are infrequent and innocuous, or there is a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable for young children.

 

Horror

Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause undue anxiety to young children. The outcome should be reassuring.

 

Imitable behaviour

No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons.

 

Language

Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.

 

Nudity

Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.

 

Sex

Mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) and references only (for example, to ‘making love’).

 

Theme

While problematic themes may be present, their treatment must be sensitive and appropriate for young children.

 

Violence

Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only.

Video games

Video games are classified under the same Guidelines and using the same categories as 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 limited research has been done into whether ‘interactivity’ has any significant effect on the potential for harm.


The ability of a game to make a young player complicit in behaviour involving, for example, sex, drugs or 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 depends 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 (e.g. 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.

Public information

Where an advertisement is part of a public information campaign or has a charitable purpose, the more restrictive approach (outlined in the post on trailers/adverts) 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.

Trailers/Adverts

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.

Titles

If the title of a work incites hatred on grounds of race, religion or sexual orientation, or incites other criminal behaviour; or 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.) 

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
• the 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.

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.  

 

The most problematic themes (for example, drug abuse, sexual violence, paedophilia, incitement to racial hatred or violence) are unlikely to be appropriate at the most junior levels of classification. However, there is no reason in principle why most themes, could not be presented in a manner which allowed classification at ‘18’ or even ‘15’.

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, or 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.

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.

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 and expectations brought by viewers to the work, as well as the 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.

Imitable behaviour

Classification decisions will take into account any detailed portrayal of criminal and violent techniques, and any glamorisation of easily accessible weapons, such as knives.

 

Works which, taken as a whole, actively promote illegal behaviour will be cut or rejected. 

 

Portrayals of potentially dangerous behaviour (suicide and self-harm) which children and young people are likely to copy, will be cut if a more restrictive classification is not appropriate.

Horror

Many children enjoy the excitement of scary sequences, but, where films are targeted at a younger audience, classification decisions will take into account such factors as:

• frequency

• length 

• detail 

regarding scary scenes as well as horror effects, including music and sound, and whether there is a swift and reassuring outcome.

 

Older audiences often pay to see horror films because they like being frightened or shocked and such works are classified at an appropriate category to ensure that the young and vulnerable are protected from too intense an experience.

Drugs

No work taken as a whole may promote the misuse of drugs and any detailed portrayal of drug misuse likely to promote or glamorise the activity may be cut. 

Works which show drug misuse while emphasising the dangers may receive less restrictive classifications. 

Where smoking, alcohol abuse or substance misuse feature to a significant extent in works which appeal to children, this will be indicated in the Extended Classification Information.

Discrimination

Potentially offensive content, relating to such matters as: 

• race

• gender

• religion

• disability

• sexuality

The classification decision will take account of the strength or impact of its inclusion. 

Works with such content may receive a less restrictive category where discriminatory language and behaviour is criticised; or the work as a whole seeks to challenge such attitudes, or is obviously dated.

Reflections: Lessons 1 & 2

Learning about film classification has been really interesting so far, here are some interesting facts I learnt:

• The Film Industry did not want the government to be directly involved in the classification of films and as a result set up their own classification companies, such as they BBFC in Britain, so that the film industry could become independant and self-regulating. 
• The local authorities can overrule the decision made by the BBFC and this can lead to the film not being shown in the area - so certain films cannot be watched in certain areas.
• Although the BBFC follow their own guidelines extremely well, and normally make the right decision, some parents still complained when they thought that the 'Dark Knight' should have been a 15 even though the definition of the 12A it received says that it is up to the adult to decided whether their child can see the film. A lack of knowledge about the information availble is found here as most parents do not know that there are detailed summaries of every regulated film on the ParentBBFC website.   

The BBFC: Overarching Factors

Whilst the BBFC have to abide closely to their guidelines and the law, they also have a hard time dealing with borderline cases. Then, they have to consider the following:

• The context in which the issue is presented
• Expectations of the public
• A work's genre
• The manner in which the issue is presented
• The intention of the film maker
• The original production date of the work

The Dark Knight was rated a 12A by the BBFC despite the complaints of the public of it being to dark and violent in places. The 12A rating was justified due to the work's fantastical genre and nature - as the super-hero genre would very much appeal to the 12-15 year old audience.

Legal Consideration:

• The Human Rights Act, 1998

• The Video Recordings Act, 1984

• The Licensing Act, 2003

• The Obscene Publications Act, 1959 & 1964

• Criminal Justice and Immigration Act, 2008

• The Protection of Children Act, 1978

• The Sexual Offenses Act, 2003

• The Public Order Act, 1986

• The Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act, 1937

• The Animal Welfare Act, 2006

• The Tobacco Advertising and Promoting Act, 2002

The BBFC: General Principles

Two guiding principles:

• Works should be allowed to reach the widest audience appropriate for their theme and treatment.

• Adults should, as far as possible, be free to choose what they see, provided that it remains within the law.

When applying these guiding principles, they also consider:

• If the material is in conflict with the law, or created through the commission of a criminal offence.
• If the material may cause harm to the category concerned, any viewer or wider society as a result of its viewing.
• If public opinion clearly deems it inappropriate for the age group concerned to be viewing the content in question.

The BBFC:

The BBFC, British Board of Film Classification, is an independant, non-governmental organisation, which is self funded. Their funding comes from the fees they charge to distribution companies to classify films.

• They classify films on behalf of the local authorities who license cinema's under the 'Licensing Act 2003'.

•  They classify videos/dvds/blu-rays under the 'Video Recordings Act 1984'.

•  They classify online content under a scheme called BBFC.Online.

• They will not classify material which they believe to be in breach of the law.

• The BBFC reconsider and update their classification guidelines every few years as a result of a lot of research and public consultation.