Regulations
The UK film board system is something that informs the viewers what age they need to be to watch it. Anyone can watch and buy a U and PG. Whereas a 12, 15 and 18 all need proof of ID. This is done to inform the viewer what content it may contain before watching it and if it is suitable for their age. In the UK film ratings are usually based on violence and scenes of a sexual nature, although, from what I've observed, it is usually the extent of violence that has the biggest impact on whether a film is a 15 or an 18. In America the system is a little different and seems to have more violent movies rated R (no one under 17 without guardian) vs NC-17 (17+) which usually contain more scenes of a sexual nature.
Film ratings a a useful tool for parents to decide whether the movie is suitable for their children. The shops and Cinemas have a legal right to check for suitable ID or they will be fined.
The movie Karate Kid is rated a 15 in the UK. There are scenes of violence, bullying, profanity, racial slurs, drugs (cigarettes) and alcohol. Violence, slurs and threats are the main factor contributing to the film classification of 15. I agree with this classification. 15 is an appropriate age where a person can learn or already know that these things cause harm to others and are less likely to repeat them, whereas a lower rating may mean that kids don't understand and may imitate this behaviour without understanding why its harmful.
I asked my peers if they agreed with the rating and why: They both disagreed with the rating of a 15 and thought it would better suit a 12. Lily thought this due to the film being about martial arts and less so about violence, and Billy thought this due to the the lack of swearing and the content of the swearing and violence being 'mild.'
Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)
The two advertising codes in the ASA are the CAP non broadcast code and the CAP broadcast code. The non broadcast code has rules that cover non broadcasting adverts online and in person, this includes telesales, direct marketing, posters and sales promotion. The ASA closely relates to the ethical and legal considerations when making a production. Both codes have a rule that advertisements shouldn't cause harm or offence to others. Its principle is to not mislead people and prevent harming children and vulnerable people with the adverts created and displayed. The broadcast code covers all adverts that are promoting publicly and covers has the same code of conduct. If people do not comply to the ASA code they risk their advertisement being taken off air for 2 years.
Office for Communication (OFCOM)
Ofcom regulates nearly all of the UK's communication services, it is funded by the people who decide to use it to regulate their services (ie, the BBC). Similar to the ASA, it makes sure content is safe for everyone and does not cause harm to any community. If Ofcom gets complaints about content depicting harmful content, they considers the context, level of harm, audience type and size before it makes any decisions. Ofcom will investigate thoroughly and will find evidence if they have violated the rules and in place. It regulates competition, content, media ownership/literacy and spectrum management.