The BBFC has two main guiding principles:
- Works should be allowed to reach the widest audiences appropriate for the film's treatment.
- Adults should be free to choose what they see (as long as it's legal and not harmful)
Whilst applying these principles, they also consider three main qualifications:
- The film must not be in conflict with the law.
- The film must not cause harm.*
- The film must be publicly considered acceptable for the age group concerned.
*Harm may include: desensitising violence, degrading empathy, encouraging dehumanisation and anti-social behaviour, reinforcing unhealthy fantasies and more. These especially apply to young children.
