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.