bbfc

The bbfc, or the British Board of Film Classification, certify the age boundaries of films.
The BBFC are A highly expert and experienced regulator of the moving image and also a service provider for new and developing media.

"Why do we do what we do?

• The BBFC regulates not just as a statutory designated authority but also because we serve a socially useful function.
• Through the efficient classification of the moving image into advisory and age-related categories, the provision of consumer advice and the maintenance of our archive:
• we give the public information that empowers them to make appropriate viewing decisions for themselves and those in their care. We help to protect vulnerable viewers and society from the effects of viewing potentially harmful or unsuitable content while respecting adult freedom of choice.
• we provide media industries with the security and confidence of cost-effective, publicly trusted regulation and help to protect providers of moving image content from inadvertent breaches of UK law.
• we are able to assist Trading Standards officers in their enforcement role"

('Why we do what we do' taken from bbfc website- http://www.bbfc.co.uk/about/vision-statement)

The different classifications are:

U- Suitable for all

PG- Parental guidance

12A, 12- Suitable for 12 years and older

15- Suitable for age 15 and older

18- Suitable only for adults

R18- To be shown in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied in only licensed sex shops and to adults no younger than 18.

The classification systems of the bbfc is a confusing. U and PG guidelines are rather similar so they are harder to distinguish. Age rating is good for films in the cinema but when they come out on dvd they become more guidelines for parents who are buying them for children who maybe younger than the age rating of the film.