Film Certificate ratings
What does U mean?
The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for
audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what
might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category
range
What sorts of films are usually passed at U?
A U film can explore a wide rang of themes, as long as the
treatment is appropriate for a young audience. This doesn’t mean that all films
rated U are children’s films. A children’s work at U will generally contain positive
messages about loyalty, honesty and friendship, particularly amongst children.
The film or video may well have a happy ending for the child and the overall
tone should be one of reassurance. U films are unlikely to contain
discriminatory language or behaviour unless it is clearly disapproved of.
What does PG
mean?
PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for
general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG
film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Parents should
consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children
What sort of
themes are passed at PG?
A PG film will not contain any theme which is inappropriate for a
child. PG works can explore challenging issues such as bullying, bereavement or
racism
What does
the 12A symbol mean?
Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain
material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one
younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult.
Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider
whether the film is suitable for that child. To help them decide, we recommend
that they check the BBFCinsight for that film in advance. Watch our video about
12A.
What's the
difference between 12A and 12?
The 12A requires an adult to accompany any child under 12 seeing a
12A film at the cinema. This is enforced by cinema staff and a cinema may lose
its license if adult accompaniment is not enforced for children under 12
admitted to a 12A film. Accompanied viewing cannot be enforced in the home, so
the 12 certificate remains for DVD/Blu-ray, rather than the 12A. The 12 is also
a simpler system for retailers. It means they cannot sell or rent the item
unless the customer is over the age of 12.
What does
the 15 symbol mean?
No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or
buy/rent a 15 rated video. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under
15 years of age.
Are there
any limits on what sort of theme a work can have at 15?
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for
15 year olds.
What might I
see in a 15 rated film or video?
Any of the following:
- strong violence
- frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***').
- portrayals of sexual activity
- strong verbal references to sex
- sexual nudity
- brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
- discriminatory language or behaviour
- drug taking
What does
the 18 symbol mean?
Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see
an 18 film at the cinema or buy / rent an 18 rated video. No 18 rated works are
suitable for children.
Are there
any limits on what sort of theme a work can have at 18?
No theme is prohibited at 18. Adults are free to choose their own
entertainment provided the material is not illegal or potentially harmful, so
it is possible some themes tackled at 18 may be offensive even to some adult
viewers.
What sort of
issues might I find in an 18 film or video?
18 works are for adults and can contain strong issues such as:
- very strong violence
- frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***') and / or very strong language (e.g. ‘c***’)
- strong portrayals of sexual activity
- scenes of sexual violence
- strong horror
- strong blood and gore
- real sex (in some circumstances)
- discriminatory language and behaviour
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