Research into BBFC Classification Guidelines (What are BBFC Classification Guidelines?)

BBFC Classification Guidelines

BRITISH  BOARD OF FILM CLASSIFICATION

It is important that the BBFC’s classification standards are in line with what the public expects and that its decisions take account of what the public finds acceptable at each age category.

What are BBFC Classification Guidelines?

 Every 4-5 years, the BBFC carries out a major public consultation exercise to find out what the public thinks about the age rating of films and videos before they are released and whether the BBFC’s classification standards meet public concerns. These standards are laid out in the BBFC’s Classification Guidelines .The Guidelines detail what is acceptable at each age category, from U to R18. They also set out the laws and principles which impact on the BBFC’s work.

There are two key principles, laid out in the Guidelines, under which they operate: 

• to protect children and vulnerable adults from potentially harmful or otherwise unsuitable content
• to empower consumers, particularly parents and those with responsibility for children, to make informed viewing decisions.