What's allowed in a films rating 18? - Research

At the age of 18 the BBFC’s guideline states that adults are free to watch what they like. Exceptions are mostly likely to be in the following areas for the film itself:

• Where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence

• Where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of

Violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault

• Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.

On the case of films (including video games) they have to make it clear that there is a use of sexual and violence in the game/film they are buying.

Sex education at ‘18’

Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may

Be permitted.

Sex works at ‘18’

Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only materials which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’.

Sex works containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’ category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex work at ‘R18’ is also unacceptable in a sex work at ‘18’.