Sex

Flesh and the Devil, 1926Public attitudes to sex have changed a lot over the years, and recent public consultations show a greater tolerance of portrayals of sex on screen. However, there is still a clear public feeling that some images of - and references to - sex should not be passed as suitable for younger children. The BBFC reflects this through the classification system - the 'U' category, for example, allows for only mild references to sex (eg. 'making love') or mild sexual behaviour like kissing. Progressively stronger images and references are allowed through the categories, and at the other end of the spectrum thereNine Songs, 2005 is a special category, 'R18', for explicit images of real sex. These sort of images can be passed at '18' only when they are exceptionally justified by context.

The BBFC must also consider legal issues associated with images of sex, such as the Protection of Children Act and the 1994 amendment to the Video Recordings Act which says that the Board must pay special attention to certain things which include 'human sexual activities'.

Find out more:

Sex Timeline

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