July 5, 2016

The statistics show that in 2015 the BBFC classified 983 films for theatrical distribution, a rise of 2.7% compared to 2014.  For the second year in a row, more films were classified 15 than 12A, with 383 films classified at 15 and 321 at 12A.

As well as an age rating, every film classified is given detailed BBFC insight guidance, available on the BBFC website and free apps.  This is particularly helpful at the advisory categories of U, PG and 12A, where 2015 saw a number of high profile releases including Star Wars: The Force Awakens (12A) and Inside Out (U).

Alongside cinema releases, 1,143 hours of online content was classified for exclusive VoD release, with the BBFC receiving 74.5% more submissions in 2015 compared to 2014.  BBFC says that this rapid growth “demonstrates an appetite for BBFC classification guidance online”.  BBFC research reflected this expectation among families for BBFC age-rating guidance when choosing a film or series to watch on major VoD platforms such as Netflix, Amazon and iTunes.  In 2015, 85% of parents said it was important to have consistent classifications both online and offline, while three quarters of parents want to link parental controls to BBFC classifications and for more platforms to carry age-ratings and trusted BBFC content advice.

A key improvement in protecting younger children online during 2015 was the appointment of the BBFC in March 2015 as the voluntary regulator of EE’s “Strict” setting.  Under this new service, the BBFC determines what website content, accessed via EE’s mobile network, is suitable for younger children, in line with the BBFC’s PG standard.  Using the “Strict” setting, parents are able to restrict their children’s viewing to safe and appropriate content, suitable for under-12s.  The BBFC also provides a free appeals and adjudication service in relation to individual cases of purported over- and under-blocking.  To read the BBFC press release in full and for a link to the Annual Report, click here.