Main Concerns

This section of the Guidelines sets out some concerns which apply, to a greater or a lesser degree, at all classification levels. The concerns are listed in the same order on the pages following, which provide specific guidance for ‘U’ through to ‘18’. The guidance there should be read in the light of this more general advice.

Theme

The acceptability of a theme is determined by its treatment i.e., the context and sensitivity of its presentation. However, the most problematic themes (for example drug abuse or paedophilia) are unlikely to be appropriate at the most junior levels of classification. Correspondingly, there is no reason in principle why any theme, however difficult, could not be satisfactorily handled at ‘18’ or even ‘15’.

Language

Many people are offended, some of them deeply, by bad language, including the use of expletives with a religious association. The extent of that offence varies according to age, background and beliefs. Different groups (for example, a minority ethnic community) have their own, separate standards of acceptability. Additionally, the severity of any particular word or expression will depend upon the context within which it is used.

For these reasons, it is impossible to set out comprehensive lists of acceptable words or expressions which will satisfy all sections of the public. The advice at different classification levels, therefore, provides general guidance with reference to specific terms only where there is a reasonable consensus of opinion.

Nudity

Natural nudity, providing there is no sexual context or sub-text, is acceptable at all classification levels.

Sex

The portrayal of human sexual activity is not permitted at ‘U’, ‘Uc’ or ‘PG’. In '12' rated video works and '12A' cinema works it may be implied. Progressively more graphic portrayal may be included at ‘15’ and ‘18’ depending on the emphasis given to responsible, loving and developing relationships. There is equality in terms of the standards set for legal heterosexual and homosexual behaviour.

The ‘R18’ category, required by the Video Recordings Act, is primarily for explicit videos of consenting sex between adults. ‘R18’ videos may be supplied only in licensed sex shops which no-one under 18 can enter.

Violence

Violence has been a feature of entertainment for children and adults since the first stories were told. It is an element in many serious representations of the human condition. We can, however, address the degree and nature of violence through our classification system.

In making decisions, our concerns include

• portrayal of violence as a normal solution to problems
• heroes who inflict pain and injury
• callousness towards victims
• encouraging aggressive attitudes
• taking pleasure in pain or humiliation

Works which glorify or glamorise violence will receive a more restrictive classification and may even be cut.

Sexual Violence

The BBFC has a strict policy on rape and sexual violence. Where the portrayal eroticises or endorses sexual assault, the Board is likely to require cuts at any classification level. This is more likely with video than film, because video scenes can be replayed repeatedly.

Any association of sex with non-consensual restraint, pain or humiliation may be cut.

Imitable Techniques

The BBFC is also concerned about detailed portrayal of criminal and violent techniques and the glamorisation of weapons. The use of weapons which are easily accessible

to young people will be restricted. Imitable combat techniques may be cut.

Any action which would be likely to promote illegal or anti-social behaviour in real life is of particular concern. Imitable detail of criminal techniques may be unacceptable at any classification level. Potentially dangerous activity presented as safe and exciting is of particular concern in works aimed at children.

The BBFC is most concerned about videos, where a technique can be watched again and again until the lesson is learned.

Horror

Horror films are subject to the same Guideline constraints as all other films. The BBFC recognises that audiences pay to see horror films because they like being frightened. The Board does not cut films simply because they alarm or shock. Instead, it classifies them to ensure that the young and vulnerable are protected.

Drugs

No work taken as a whole, even at ‘18’, may promote or encourage the use of illegal drugs. Clear instructive detail is unacceptable at all levels up to ‘15’. Even at ‘18’, such detail may only be acceptable if there are exceptional considerations of context. Glamorising detail is a particular concern.

The dangers of showing instructive detail are particularly acute in videos where scenes can be replayed over and over again.