FILM CLASSIFICATION GUIDELINES

The film ratings are:

U films 

The U rating means that it is suitable for all, the U stands for universal. U films should not raise any significant issues in terms of discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, theme or violence. There can only be very mild bad language in the films such as 'damn' and 'hell' but it can only be used in justified context. Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual behaviour. At all categories heterosexual and homosexual sexual behaviour and activities are treated the same – so there could be occasional very mild references to gay or straight sexuality at U. A U film may include brief fight scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger. However, moments of emotional stress or threat will be quickly resolved and the outcome will be reassuring. ‘Baddie’ characters may carry or use weapons, but there will be no emphasis on these. Child or ‘hero’ characters are unlikely to use any kind of weapon outside, for example, historical settings.

Information found at http://bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/u

  PG Films
PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children.
No theme is prohibited at PG, as long as it is treated in a manner appropriate to the category. PG works can explore challenging issues such as domestic violence, bereavement or racism. In a PG film, illegal or antisocial behaviour, such as bullying, will not be condoned or seen to go unchallenged. Smoking and drinking will not be promoted or glamorised and if child characters are seen smoking or drinking, there should be a clear message that this is bad. If drugs are mentioned or seen, a PG work should emphasise that they are harmful. References to sex are acceptable if the activity talked about or shown is implied and lacking in detail, heterosexual and homosexual sex and sex references are treated the same. There should be no detail of violence in a PG work, so while there might be some blood, we would not see how the injury was inflicted in strong detail.

Information found at http://bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/pg


 12 and 12A Films
12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. The 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. 12A is for films at the cinema only. The content of 12A rated films to be suitable for children aged 12 and over, and we would not recommend taking very young children to see them. The overall tone of a film or DVD, and the way it makes the audience feel may affect the classification. For example, a work which has a very dark or unsettling tone which could disturb the audience would be less likely to be passed 12A. Strong language can be used in a 12 but it has to be in the right context and not just said randomly. Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12 or 12A, however everything that is said or shown must be suitable for young teenagers. Heterosexual and homosexual sex and sex references are treated the same. At 12A, moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on detail. Dangerous behaviour (for example hanging, suicide and self-harming) may be present in 12 or 12A works but will not dwell on detail which could be copied or present those activities as pain or harm free. There may be infrequent sight of drugs misuse in a 12 or a 12A but the portrayal should not be glamorised or provide instructional details.

Information found at http://bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/12a-and-12

  15 Film
 No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD.  15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age. The main difference between a 12 and a 15 is that they contain:

• strong violence
• frequent strong language
• 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

There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language, and the work could explore themes relating to this. However, at 15 the work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. At 15 violence may be strong. It should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury, however, and the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. At 15 drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. 

Information found at http://bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/15

  18 Film
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 DVD. No 18 rated works are suitable for children. No theme is prohibited at 18. 
18 films can contain:

• very strong violence
• frequent strong language and/or very strong language
• strong portrayals of sexual activity
• scenes of sexual violence
• strong horror
• strong blood and gore
• real sex (in some circumstances)
• discriminatory language and behaviour

 There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language at 18, and the work could explore themes relating to this.  At 18 drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

Information found at http://bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/18