The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has introduced more stringent guidelines concerning nudity and explicit scenes in movies rated 12 or 12A. These new Classification Guidelines follow a comprehensive survey conducted among British citizens, reflecting concerns from the general public regarding the exposure of young children to explicit content.
Significantly, this survey garnered 12,000 responses from across the country, marking the board’s first major survey in the past five years. It revealed ongoing public apprehension regarding the depiction of sex, nudity, violence, and drug use in films.
The BBFC stated:
“There is a growing demand for a more cautious approach in classifying sex scenes at the boundary between 12A/12 and 15. Participants expressed unease regarding the level of sexual detail, nudity, and the duration of sex scenes rated 12A/12 under the 2019 guidelines.”
Content of a similar nature is now more likely to receive a 15 rating.
Reportedly, this survey evaluated 28 trailers, 151 clips, and 33 films to gauge public sensitivity. The results underscore that the audience doesn’t necessarily object but rather appreciates leniency in Classification Guidelines regarding sexual references within comedic contexts.
Despite minimal changes to the guidelines since 2019, the BBFC noted heightened audience concern regarding depicted violence on screen, which is sometimes found distressing across all age ratings.
Notably, a 12 rating permits children over the age of 12 to view a movie, while 12A allows those under 12 to do so when accompanied by an adult. Movies with these ratings may briefly and discreetly portray sexual activities or nudity.
However, a 15 rating permits such content only “without strong detail.” Even if present, strong details should be brief and presented within a comedic context.