BBFC History and Detail.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, non-governmental body, which has exercised responsibilities over cinema for a hundred years, and over video and DVD since 1985. 

• The British Board of Film Censors was established in 1912 by the film industry when local authorities started to impose their own, widely varying, censorship standards on films.
• The BBFC was set up in order to bring a degree of uniformity to those standards. The object was to create a body which could make judgement that were acceptable nationally. 
• By the mid 1920'a it became general practice in which authorities would abide to the guidelines.
• By the 80's the BBFC were given power to and responsibility to classify videos for home viewing.
• During WW2 BBFC was given power to completely censor films,  due to the fear of government that it would be used for propaganda purposes.

Universal, suitable for children aged 4 years and above. No overt focus on sexual behavior or innuendos.

Mild language such as damn & hell.  Violence will generally be very mild. A U film may include brief fight scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger. However, moments of emotional stress or threat will be quickly resolved and the outcome will be reassuring. No reference to drugs or drug use. 

Parental Guidance. Some scenes may be unsuitable for children. Mild violence, blood may be shown but
not the injury. Use of bad language (sh*t etc.) Not used frequently. Explores challenging issues.

Children under 12 must be accompaniment by any adult over 18 to watch
film. Could contain dark or unsettling scenes that an adult would have to determine
if suitable for child. Strong language and sex scenes can be portrayed. Moderate violence
can be included in this film but not to  dwell on any detail, likewise with nudity. Drug use can be refrenced
but not to be glamourized or focused on in detail. 

Same as 12A but mostly for home use., DVD etc.

Teenagers above and of the age 15 can view a fifteen film. The references and
scenes included in this film range from strong violence, frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***') , portrayals of sexual activity,  strong verbal references to sex, sexual nudity, brief scenes of sexual violence, discriminatory language or

behavior and drug use. Strong sadistic violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. should glamorize drugs, the misuse of very dangerous substances is very unlikely to pass at this level. Elements such as suicide or self-harming can be included but not dwell on detail which could be copied, 

No limit on strong words in an 18 rated film. No theme is prohibited at 18. Adults are free to choose their own entertainment provided the material is not illegal or potentially harmful, so it is possible some themes tackled at 18 may be offensive even to some adult viewers. From strong horror to strong sexual scenes drugs are also glamorized in film,