Certificate ratings

Rumana Begum

This is suitable for all. A "U" film should be suitable for audiences aged 4 and older. This certificate rating is the lowest of all. Anyone is able to watch a film/video with this rating.

The BBFC previously had a separate "Uc" certificate for recordings suitable primarily for pre-school children, but this was discontinued in 2009 and such recordings are now rated "U".

U - UNIVERSAL

PG – 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. PG works can explore challenging issues such as bullying, grief or racism.

12

12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. A 12 film is where anyone aged 12 and over are able to watch the movie/video. Some strong languages may be passed in a 12 movie but rarely. Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12A or 12.

12a

A 12a film involves a little more violence, sex, and strong language than a 12 film. The 12A requires an adult to accompany any child under 12 seeing a 12A film at the cinema. This is compulsory as 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.

15

No-one under the age 15 is allowed to view a film with a 15 rating. The following may be included in a 15 film.- 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

18No-one is allowed to view an 18 film if they are under the age of 18.18 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

R18

The R18 category is a special and legally-restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. R18 videos may not be supplied by mail order.