Age ratings are set differently for numerous different reasons at it is the inclusion of these certain factors as well as how they are used which determines which age rating the BBFC will give to a film. I am going to look at each age rating set by the BBFC and see what factors are specific to each age rating.

 

Firstly U is a rating that set for anyone aged above 4, which is why is rarely includes or uses any significant and potentially harmful factors. U films can contain some language using very mild language such as damn or hell. A U film could also contain some very mild sexual behaviour including kissing and cuddling,  as well as sexual behaviour U films may also contain some mild violence/threatening scenes, as characters might find themselves in dangerous situations and some villains may carry weapons, but they are never used. There is also no use of illegal drugs in a U film, but occasionally make references to medicine. Overall, U films do not contain any influencial behaviour that could potentially be harmful to younger viewers.

 

PG is an unusual rating as the PG rating does not specify the target audience of film, as U films are normally specific to a younger audience. Some most films with a PG a dedicated to a younger audience but some films such as historic films or documentaries, don't include any of the features that would catigorise them as a 12 or 12A. That being said there are some features that are specific for the PG age rating, for example a PG film would't include any themes that maybe considered inapproiate for a child, but it may focus on real life issues such as racism or bullying.  PG rated films can include some foul language with the line been drawn at phrases such as 'son of a b****' and 's***', however depending on how these words are used a PG could potentially be turned into a 12/12A . PG's can sometimes include sexual references, however these are infrequently included and their inclusion is on the basis of whether children watching the film  would be able to understand the reference. Violence is also kept to a minimum as their maybe some mild violence and a little bit of blood, however the audience wouldn't be shown the actual wound that a character has entailed. It is more likely to have violence accepted in a PG film if it is showing a historic event or has an unrealistic setting with a relevant genre, such as fantasy. Horror and threatening scenes are also a rarity in a PG film, with only the occasional jump moment. Drugs are rarily referenced in a PG films, but can be referenced in the sense of an educational message.

 

There are two age ratings for the next step up from PG, these are 12 and 12A, however these are two distinguished ratings as the 12 rating is used on video releases of the films, whilst the 12A rating is exclusive to the cinema release of films. But there are different guidelines for these two ratings as a film could be to violent for the 12A age rating in cinemas, so it would have to be a fifteen in cinemas, but it could pass for a 12 on DVD. The strongest use of language in a 12 film will F*** and S***, but will also use some other words that are used in a more comical sense such as B**** and T***.  Other language such as discriminatory language will not be used in a 12 or 12A unless it is being advised against, but even then is unlikely to appear. Sexual references are used discreetly within a 12/12A and are often used verbally and in a comical manner and will not include any highly inappropriate content for a younger audience. Some horror films can also be rated as a twelve as long as the tone of the film isn't sadistic or disturbing, or if the horror isn't used very frequently. 12 and 12A's do often contain some imitable behaviour and references to drugs, but the film should not focus on the details, to stop young audiences from copying any part of the film.

 

A 15 rating is the next step up from a 12/12A rated and this rating does raise the bar for what themes can be included within in the film.  Strong Language is likely to common within a fifteen as their is no limit to the number of swear words being used. The strongest piece of language that will appear in a fifteen film is C***, however depending on the manner that it is used in and or the frequency a film could potentially be rated as an 18 film. Other offence language used within a 15 film also include racist, discrimnatory and homophobic language, but it should not be endorsed. Sexual references are also much more frequent and detailed within this age rating, as sex scenes and nudity are often included in this catergory, but it isn't usually used in strong detail. Violence is laso more frequent and more brutal in 15 films with the use of blood and the impact of this violence used more frequently, however sadistic violence is not tolarated in this age catergory. Horror is more than acceptable in this age catergory as the majority of horror films being released in this decade are 15 rated. Drugs are also more liekly to be shown, but it should not promote the use of these drugs, which is why The Wolf of Wall Street was an 18 rated film. It should not depict easily accesible items like aerosol cans being used as a method of inhaling drugs.

 

18 rated films is the final age rating for films released in cinema and they allow the use of many of many different themes. Strong language has no limit on any specific words or phrases. They can include lots of homophobic, discriminative and racist language so long as it does not breach any legislation. Sexual behaviour can still be limited at an 18 age rating as their is separate age rating (R18) for pornographic material. 18 films have no limits on any horror, violence and drugs (providing it is not encouraging the use of drugs.)