Research into age certificates in the BBFCMiss Georgiou

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, non-governmental body which has classified cinema films since it was set up in 1912 and videos/ DVDs since the Video Recordings Act was passed in 1984.

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. At U we only allow very mild bad language (eg ‘damn’ and ‘hell’). Occasionally, bad language such as ‘bloody’ or ‘bugger’ may be included, where justified by the context. (http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/u)
Films such as Spy Kids would come under the rating of U. This is because it contains Minimal bad language and none or minimal violent scenes.

PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. 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.
No theme is prohibited at PG, as long as it is treated in a manner appropriate to the category. PG works can explore challenging issues such as domestic violence, bereavement or racism.
In a PG work, illegal or antisocial behaviour, such as bullying, will not be condoned or seen to go unchallenged. Smoking and drinking will not be promoted or glamorised and if child characters are seen smoking or drinking, there should be a clear message that this is bad. If drugs are mentioned or seen, a PG work should emphasise that they are harmful.
(http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/pg)
Films such as Thunderpants would come under the age certificate of 15. This is because it may have a few scenes which are unsuitable for young children who may need their parents. In addition this film explores issues like bullying and doesn't go unchallenged. 


12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Children younger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult (eg someone over the age of 18), who must watch the film with them. Although The 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. 12A is for films at the cinema only. The overall tone of a film or DVD, and the way it makes the audience feel may affect the classification. For example, a work which has a very dark or unsettling tone which could disturb the audience would be less likely to be passed 12A even if the individual issues in the film were considered acceptable under the BBFC guidelines. Similarly, if a work is particularly positive or reassuring this may stop it being pushed up a category from 12A to 15.
(http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/12a-and-12)
Films such as spider man would come under the 12A certificate as it has quite an unsettling and violent tone which may not be suitable for someone of the age of 12 and might also need the parents consent for them to watch it. Pirates of the Caribbean comes under the 12 age certificate as it has some but not many violent scenes and is apropriate for persons of the age of 12 to watch it without parent guidence.

No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age.No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.
15 works are stronger than 12 or 12A rated works and could include any of the following: violence, frequent strong language, portrayals of sexual activity, strong verbal references to sex, sexual nudity, brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence, discriminatory language or behaviour, drug taking
(http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/15)
Films such as knocked up come under the 15 age certificate as it has some sexual nudity and sexual referances throughout, this would not be acceptable for someone below 15 to watch. It also includes drug taking and minimal swearing but not strong enough language to be an 18.

Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy/rent an 18 rated DVD. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.No theme is prohibited at 18. Adults are free to pick their own entertainment within the law, so it is possible some themes tackled at 18 may be offensive even to some adult viewers.
18 works are for adults and can contain strong issues such as: very strong violence, frequent strong language and/or very strong language, strong portrayals of sexual activities, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, strong blood and gore, real sex (in some circumstances), 
discriminatory language and behaviour
(http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/18)
Films such as fight club would be classed as an 18 as there is alot of gore and violence throughout. In addition it also includes very strong language and sexual scenes.