Certificate ratings- BBFC research

Universal: suitable for all audiences. No discriminatory language/behaviour, unless shown it's disapproved of. No references to illegal drugs. Scary sequences should be mild. No potentially dangerous behaviour, or emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons. Infrequent use of bad language. Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context. Mild violence only.

Parental Guidance: general viewing, some scenes unsuitable for young children. Discriminatory language/behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved. Drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message. Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour. Mild bad language only. Natural nudity, with no sexual context. Sexual activity should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references only.

12A/12: Aggressive language/behaviour unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned. Misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail. Moderate language is allowed. Strong language should be infrequent. Sexual context must be brief and discreet. Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. No emphasis on injuries or blood. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated.

15: Must not endorse discriminatory language/behaviour. Drug taking may be shown but the film must not promote or encourage drug misuse. Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised. May be frequent use of strong language. Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. Portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

18: Where material or treatment appears to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society, e.g. any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence. Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted

R18: Explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Any material which is in breach of the criminal law. Material likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity. Portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent. Infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm. Some allowance may be made for moderate, non-abusive, consensual activity. Any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable.