BBFC Film Classifications

'U'
'Universal'. Suitable for all. Should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassurance to any violence, threat or horror.
There must be no discrimination, imitable behaviour, and drugs. A sequences of a scary or horrific nature should be mild, brief, and unluckily to cause anxiety.
Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.
Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Mild sexual behaviour e.g. kissing and references only e.g. making love

'PG'
Parental Guidance. This classification tells people that the film is suitable for general viewing but it in some cases the film may be unsuitable for young children so it is advisable for either the parents/carers to watch the film first, watch it with the child on first viewing or both. This is incase their particular child is more sensitive than others and may be 'disturbed' more easily than others.
Unless the films narrative is historical or educational, discriminative actions or behaviour (and language) is unlikely to be acceptable. Also, unless there is a message in the film about how drugs must not be used, references to illegal drugs must not be used. Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor. In the film there must be no references to which children can easily copy dangerous situations and the film must not glamorise realistic situations of easily accessible weapons e.g. knifes. The type of language used must only be mild. As in 'U' any nudity must be natural and no sexual contact.
Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only. Where more serious issues are featured (for example, domestic violence) nothing in their treatment should condone unacceptable behaviour.
Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its context (for example, history, comedy or fantasy).

'12' & '12a'
Both 12 and 12a are the same, although 12a allows cinemas to allow children under 12 to view a film as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The film is rated 12 as most films rated 12 may upset most children and most parents wouldn't want their children to view what the film contains. The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

'15'
No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

'18'
Only suitable for adults. No one younger than 18 can buy or rent an 18 rated film.

R18
The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. ‘R18’ videos may not be supplied by mail order.