BBFC certificate criteria

These are the certificate guidelines published by the BBFC for the certificate ratings for 12 and 15.
Discrimination
Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be used explicitly and aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be accepted

Drugs
Misuse of drugs must be infrequent and must not be encouraged or glamorised.

Horror
Moderate physical and psychological threat are allowed, as long as disturbing sequences are not
frequent.

Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not be included explicitly which could be copied, appear pain free or harm free.

Language
Moderate language is acceptable. The use of strong language must be infrequent.

Nudity
Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief.

Sex
Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not be beyond what is appropriate for young teenagers. Crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme
Mature themes are acceptable, but their portrayal must be suitable for young teenagers.

Violence
Moderate violence is allowed but should not be in detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, however occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context.

Discrimination
The film as a whole must not encourage of endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

Drugs
Drug taking may be visible but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example,
aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

Horror
Strong threat are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should be detailed if it could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language
There may be frequent use of strong language. The strongest terms may be
acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail.

Sex
Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context.

Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

Violence
Violence may be strong but should not focus on the pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence
but portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet.