The UK's current film classification system

What are the pros and cons of the UK's current system of film classification?

Pros..
• The system is simple and easy to understand, with clear set guidelines to follow

• The BBFC always update their guidelines to keep up to date with society and culture, so it takes into account very recent things eg. if laws have changed

• Local councils can overrule the BBFC if they feel the classification is too high/low

• The BBFC make sure children are protected and won’t see anything unsuitable

• There is detailed information about children films for parents on their website which will be very useful in helping them to decide whether to let their child see a certain film

Cons..

• The BBFC guidelines are completely decided by age, this puts everyone in set categories when some people may be more mature and grown up for their age, everyone likes different things and children are all scared of different things

• The ratings are not really enforced at the cinemas, it is very easy for younger children to get into 15s/18s and could just watch it online or on DVD anyway

• The BBFC are unable to prove whether something could be a potential harm

• Parents aren’t aware of the information available on the BBFC website