British board of film Classification

"U" Suitable for all ages

A "U" fim should be suitable for any viewer of the age 4+. "U" films should have a generally positive film throughout, and all negatives or violence should be counter balanced by lots of good things. "U" films should have the following: 

• No discriminating language or behaviour 
• no references or use of illegal drugs, 
• any horror scenes should be mild brief and should not cause any anxiety to children, the outcome of these should also be positive and reassuring, 
• no dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy, 
• very infrequent use of very mild bad language, 
• mild sexual behaviour (Kissing) 
• only mild violence that is resolved or has a reassuring ending.

Parental Guidance

General viewing,similar to "U" however some areas of the film may be unsuitable for young children to watch unaccompanied by a adult.

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children. 

• Discrimination - discriminable language is likely to be classed as a "PG" unless is clearly disproved or used in historical context. 
• Drugs - References to illegal drugs must carry a anti-drugs message 
• Horror - frightening Horror aspects  should not be prolonged 
• Imtimatable behaviour - no dangerous behaviour that children could intimidate, no glamorisation of easily accessible weapons. 
• Language - Mild bad language 
• Nudity - Natural nudity with no sexual content
• Sex - Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. 
• Violence  - Moderate violence, 

 

Suitable for 12 years and over

The same criteria is used between 12, and 12A films. Films with this rating are generally suitable for children over aged 12. Some of the Themes in the Film may upset children under 12

The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.

• Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.
• Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.
• Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.
• Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free.  Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
• Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.
• Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.
• Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.
• Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.

Suitable only for 15 years or over

No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

• The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.
• Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.
• Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.
• Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
• There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’). The strongest  terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
• Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
• Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.
• Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

Suitable only for adults

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