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Can I show my GCSE class Schindler’s List?

The classification decision indicates that the film contains material which the Board considers unsuitable for children younger than the age specified. However, there are some cases where it might be considered appropriate to show a film in an educational context where it is properly discussed and presented.

The BBFC's cinema ratings legally apply only to licensed cinemas, so it is not illegal for schools to show BBFC-rated videos to its pupils. Merely showing an age restricted tape to underaged persons - or allowing them to see one - is not in itself an offence. We would however strongly discourage such a practice unless (a), the children in question are only a year or so below the age stated on the certificate, and (b), there is some kind of serious educational purpose to showing the recording (eg showing a '15' rated Macbeth to 14 year old GCSE English students). Even in those cases, we always recommend that the school should obtain permission from parents or guardians.

Can I show underage material that is part of the criteria for Film Studies?

The classification decision indicates that the film contains material which the Board considers unsuitable for children younger than the age specified. However, there are some cases where it might be considered appropriate to show a film in an educational context where it is properly discussed and presented. For example, some AS and A2 Media or Film Studies exam syllabuses include ‘18’ rated films.

The BBFC's cinema ratings legally apply only to licensed cinemas, so it is not illegal for schools to show BBFC-rated videos to its pupils. Merely showing an age restricted tape to underaged persons - or allowing them to see one - is not in itself an offence. We would however strongly discourage such a practice unless (a), the children in question are only a year or so below the age stated on the certificate, and (b), there is some kind of serious educational purpose to showing the recording

Clearly, schools should seek parental consent prior to the screening. We would also recommend obtaining the approval of the Head Teacher and Governors. It is also important to make sure that any children watching are not likely to suffer any ill effects as a result of seeing the film.

Why do some video games have different ratings PEGI and BBFC?

Under the Video Recordings Act, most video games are exempt from BBFC classification. However, they may lose this exemption - and therefore require a formal BBFC classification - if they depict, to any significant extent, gross violence against humans or animals, human sexual activity, human urinary or excretory functions or genital organs, or techniques likely to be useful in the commission of offences.

In the early days of video games, the quality of graphics was so low that, even when 'human' or 'animal' characters were depicted, they were unlikely to be realistic enough to be covered by the Act. However, the increasing sophistication of computer graphics means that now a number of games require classification, usually because they contain violence against realistic human figures. In some cases, games may also need to be submitted to the BBFC because they contain non-interactive video elements (eg trailers or film clips) that do not enjoy the same exemption as interactive games.

Games that retain their exemption - for example because they do not feature violence or sex involving realistic human figures - are classified under the PEGI system, a voluntary pan-European rating system.  In the UK the system is administered by the Video Standards Council, who also advises publishers on whether or not their game requires a formal BBFC classification. For more information on the Video Standards Council, please visit their website.

The Government has decided that games will be rated using the PEGI industry system, but as this will require primary legislation, for the present the classification of video games remains as described above. For more information about PEGI and the BBFC and the Byron report click here.

Can I have access to old files and reports?

We are happy to provide access to files which are over 20 years old, but this may be subject to a fee as many older files are kept in deep storage.  You can however check information on titles on the main BBFC website, selecting the search option and making sure you hit the BBFC SEARCH button.

Case Studies written by examining and policy staff are available on many films, video works and games.

The information on this site is too old for the students I teach, have you got any educational resources for younger children?

Cbbfc (www.cbbfc.co.uk) is a website aimed at children aged seven and over, it includes games and activities for use in the classroom and at home, an opportunity to rate and review films and information for parents and teachers.

Is it illegal to order banned or cut films from abroad?

The Video Recordings Act 1984 (VRA) makes it illegal to supply any video or DVD within the UK which has not been classified by the BBFC. There are some exceptions to this (eg educational works or works predominantly concerned with sport, religion and music) but all feature films and most TV programmes issued on DVD must be classified.

Although it is not a customs offence to import an unclassified video or DVD it must be for your personal use only and the content must not breach the UK law (eg Obscene Publications Acts 1959 and 1964, Protection of Children Act 1978).

You are therefore entitled to purchase unclassified videos or DVDs whilst abroad, provided they contain no illegal material and are solely for personal use.

How can I find out if a previously banned film has been classified uncut in the UK now?

Full classification histories are available online on the BBFC’s website. This dates back to 1912 and notes certificates given and where applicable details cuts made (usually including the length of the cut and a brief indication as to what was removed). It will also include modern classification of the same works, noting when a film was resubmitted and how it was classified.

Where can I get a collection of clips to show my class?

Working with Film Education the BBFC Education team has created a full interactive DVD resource including clips to classify, interactive timelines, documentary material showing the workings of the BBFC, games, quizzes and other interactive resources. Order here.

Where can I get information about a why a film has been given a particular certificate?

Consumer Advice provides a brief one line description of the key issues in a work (for example warning of strong language in a ’15’). In addition the BBFC publishes detailed advice on all feature films classified since July 2007 on the parents website

www.pbbfc.co.uk (for films classified ‘U’ – ‘12A’) and the main website

www.bbfc.co.uk (for all films). Extended advice is also available on both sites for all video games classified since 2008.

How can I find out what was cut from a film?

Details of all cuts made to works are published on our main website. This includes the amount of material removed and a brief description of the content and the usually legal reasons for the cut.

I am coming to a National Schools Film Week Event – can I find out more about the film before we come?

Case studies have been written for all films that will be introduced by BBFC examiners. In addition there will be information on the issues contained in the films published on the parents website www.pbbfc.co.uk (for films classified ‘U’ – ‘12A’) and the main website www.bbfc.co.uk (for films classified ‘15’ and ‘18’).

For more information about venues and booking events please visit the Film Education Website.

How do you get a job at the BBFC?

Recruitment is through advertisement in the national press and on the BBFC website. The BBFC employs examiners from a wide variety of backgrounds. A broad knowledge of film or digital media is required, as well as an ability to grasp classification issues such as violence, imitable behaviour, sexual portrayal and drugs.

The Board is also looking for an understanding of child development and an interest in effects and opinion evidence. The BBFC is unable to employ anyone under the age of 18 because of their possible exposure to age-restricted material while working here. A balance is kept between men and women and examiners currently range in age from late twenties to early sixties. The Board includes examiners of various ethnic backgrounds, in part to help deal with foreign language films and videos, where knowledge of the culture of the country is as important as fluency in the language.

My students would like to do work experience at the BBFC?

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any work experience or work placement schemes, despite popular demand. This is because of the amount of highly sensitive, unclassified and age restricted material found in the building at any one time! Staff at the BBFC undergo extensive training to deal with such material, and are all over 18.

I would like to organise a visit from a BBFC examiner how can I do that?

The BBFC's Education Officer and Examiners are available for a limited number of student presentations throughout the year and currently host such events throughout the UK at schools, colleges and film festivals. If you would like to make a preliminary booking, please fill in this form.

Given the amount of time and money it takes to organise for an examiner to visit we are particularly enthusiastic about undertaking visits that involve speaking to large numbers of students.

One of my students would like to interview an examiner, is that possible?

Yes, time and resources permitting, we are happy to speak to students or answer questions by email. We ask that students search the site and read the FAQs first so they don’t ask repeat questions and that questions aren’t simply essay questions set by teachers.

Can I bring my class to a seminar at the BBFC?

Yes, the BBFC runs a number of in house seminars which can be booked and paid for online. Resources are limited so it is worth booking early. Please read the introduction to seminars and information about the sort of material likely to be discussed before booking and let us know of any special requirements through the booking form.

In addition an online seminar is available in the SBBFC resources section and classroom resources and documentary footage of examiners talking about their roles are available in the BBFC DVD Resource

Where can I find an overview of recent decisions?

The BBFC has an RSS feed on the main website www.bbfc.co.uk also available through Twitter.

For a more detailed overview of recent decisions the BBFC annual reports are available in the downloads section of this site, as are all BBFC press releases.

Where can I find old BBFC press releases?

These can be found in the resources section of the website.

Can I request a Case Study for a film or video game we are working on?

Yes, of course. Please contact us and explain which work you would like to see discussed and why. If we cannot provide a Case Study we can point you to resources already on the site which might help with your research.

Can I access any of the research projects funded by the BBFC?

Yes these are available in the resources section of the website.

Can I access the BBFC Guidelines?

The new Guidelines are available to download on the BBFC website www.bbfc.co.uk and hard copies are available from the Press Office at the BBFC. The research document which accompanies the new Guidelines is also available to download at www.bbfc.co.uk

I would like a free classroom poster, how do I order one?

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