No-one younger than 18 may see an '18' film in a cinema or rent or buy an '18' rated video.

The BBFC respects the right of adults to chose their own entertainment, within the law. It will therefore expect to intervene only rarely in relation to '18' rated cinema films. In the case of videos, which are more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent.

There are no constraints at this level on theme, language, nudity or horror. The Board may, however, cut or reject the following content

• any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts which is likely to promote the activity. This includes also instructive detail of illegal drug use
• the more explicit images of sexual activity - unless they can be exceptionally justified by context

Sex Education at '18'
Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safe sex and health, exceptions to the normal constraints on explicit images may be made in the public interest. Such explicit detail must be kept to the minimum necessary to illustrate the educational or instructional points being made.

Sex Works at '18'
Material which appears to be simulated is generally passed '18', while images of real sex are confined to the 'R18' category.