Age Certificates

Along with the coursework-side of Media, this year in our exam lesson we have learned about the importance of Regulation. One part of Regulation is the ways in which movies are regulated, in order to give a film a certain certificate so a certain age group and beyond can see it.

Here in the United Kingdom we have our own regulation service, to regulate movies released in the U.K. This regulator is called ‘BBFC’ – standing for the British Board of Film Classification. Set up in 1912, the BBFC is a British Independent Company. It is the BBFC’s duty and responsibility to classify and regulate movies, in order for them to be given an appropriate age certificate for public viewing. Factors that determine the age certificate a movie is given can be from the use of drugs and violence used in the film to the sexual content or the language the characters use. Amongst films, the BBFC also regulate Video games – in order for them to again be viewed by a certain age group in the public. BBFC are also an example of a ‘proactive’ regulator – as they regulate before something has been released, so it doesn’t cause harm or create a ‘hype’ or ‘buzz’ around it.

Some of the age certificates the BBFC issue;

At the very bottom of the list is ‘U’. U, in movie terms, stands for ‘Universal’. This means that the movie, in question, is appropriate for every member of society as there is no violence, treat or horror involved in the movie. This means U movies are suitable for everyone. Famous films, that have been given a U certificate, include: ‘The Smurfs’, ‘Cars’ etc.

Next up is ‘PG’. PG stands for ‘Parental Guidance’. This means that 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. Famous films given a PG certificate include: ‘The Goonies’ ‘Nanny McPhee’ etc.

12 and 12A are Exactly the same criteria are used to classify each other. 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. 12A became apparent after the release of Spider-Man in 2002 and children, of the age of 12, wanted to see it but were denied access. Famous films given 12/12A certificate include: ‘Spider-Man’, ‘The Hulk’.

15 rated films involve lots of strong language, violence and bad behavior. Anyone under the age of 15 is not a lot to view these rate workers. Such things, as drugs are allowed to be shown, as long as it doesn’t promote or encourage drug misuse and strong threats and menace of horror are allowed as long as it isn’t sadistic or sexualized. Famous films given 15 rated certificate include: ‘The Hangover’, ‘The Inbetweeners’.

Last but not least this brings us onto 18. The highest age certificate given, in the United Kingdom. The BBFC clearly states that no one under the age of 18 is allowed to watch an 18-rated movie in the cinema. Reasons for this can be the fact that there are a lot of sexual scenes and/or heavy violence in most of the movies rated 18. Most people are asked to show proof of I.D. when going to watch a movie rated 18. Famous films given 18 rated certificate include: ‘Pulp Fiction’, ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’.