What is CONSUMER ADVICE?Consumer Advice (CA) is a one line summary highlighting the main issues found in a film, video game or DVD. The purpose of CA is to convey to the public (particularly those responsible for children) a clear sense of the content of films and video works, including video games, to enable them to make informed choices about viewing and gaming. As well as noting particular issues such as violence, sex, language, drugs or other matters likely to be of concern, it can also highlight themes such as suicide, or contexts such as comedy or fantasy, which can influence the strength of material. At the junior categories, CA can also warn of behaviour which may be potentially harmful if copied, or highlight content, such as characters in dangerous situations, which might frighten or upset younger viewers. Do all films, DVDs and Videos Games have CA? Everything classified by the BBFC except trailers, adverts and additional production material (such as commentaries) has Consumer Advice. Where can I find CA?CA is displayed on this website and the BBFC’s main website. It can also be seen on most film posters and listings displayed in local papers and at cinemas. Who is it for?CA is designed for adults and should give parents a brief idea of the issues in a film or video before they allow their child to watch it or a game before it is played. How does it work?CA flags up the main issues such as ‘moderate sex’ or ‘strong language’. CA indicates the strength of individual issues by using the terms 'mild', 'moderate', 'strong' and 'very strong' across the categories. For example, language at 'U' and 'PG' is likely to be 'mild', while at '15' and '18' language can be 'strong' and 'very strong'. Where relevant, the frequency with which the issue appears in the work is also indicated. Space is limited so it can’t give examples but it will point out the most important classification issues (ie the strongest issues in a film or DVD). There may be additional issues which have not determined the classification, but which might influence your decision to let your children see the film. For information about these and for detailed examples you should check the Extended Consumer Advice on Parents BBFC which will also note any other issues that might be important for parents wishing to take younger viewers to see a film – such as themes of divorce or bereavement or use of discriminatory language or behaviour. Will reading the CA ruin the film?It shouldn’t do, although sometimes it may highlight a key theme, eg ‘suicide’ in 'The Hours'. |
