certification classification research

Films need to be classified for certification so viewers that are of an unsuitable age do not watch the film in cinemas, it is the responsibility of the BBFC to classify the films and they are given certification to ensure that young people don't watch a film that may influence of effect them in a bad way. there are many issues that are looked at when the films are given a certificate, such as: discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, sexual violence, theme and violence. they also consider the context, the tone and impact of a work (e.g. how it makes the audience feel). 

The lowest certificate that can be given is a 'U'. U stands for universal and is suitable for everyone above the age of 4. the films given a 'U' certificate generally have a good vibe, no violence, no horror, no discrimination, no drugs, no imitable behavior, no nudity, no sex, and the language has to be very mild bad language excluding swear words. 

The next certificate given is a 'PG'. PG stands for parental guidance and is suitable for people of all ages and they can be unaccompanied by an adult. The content is given a PG rating if it is believed that it will not upset or effect a child of the age 8 or older however parents are advised to consider whether the content is suitable for their children who may be more sensitive. There would be no discrimination unless refereed to historically or is clearly shown to be disproved. Any reference to drugs will be shown giving an anti-drugs message. Horror will not be involved and the closest scenes to horror will be fantasy. No bad language, nudity, reference to sex or major violence will be shown during the content. 

The next certificate is '12/12A'. 12 means suitable for those aged 12 years and over. 12 and 12A use the exact same criteria to classify the content, the only difference is 12A is used for cinema films. Films classified 12A are not recommended for those under the age of 12 however with parental guidance a person under the age of 12 may be taken to watch the film if they're parent feels it is suitable for that child. No one under the age of 12 are allowed to purchase or rent a film with the 12 certificate. 

The certificate '15' is given to content that is only suitable for those aged 15 years and over. No one under the age of 15 is able to go to the cinema to watch an aged 15 film even if they are with a parent and no one under the age of 15 is able to purchase or rent anything given the certificate 15. 

The final certificate is '18'. No one under the age of 18 may see a film in cinema given the 18 rating and no one under the age of 18 is able to rent or buy content given the 18 certificate. The 18 certificate is given as under the human rights act, adults should be given the choice to choose their own entertainment.