Certificate Rating analysis

U – Universal, suitable for all

Different children are upset by different things, so it is sometimes difficult to say what might upset a particular child. However, U films should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. If there is any violence, threat or horror in a U film, it should be over quickly and the film should tell children that everything will turn out okay. Films and DVDs for children should make clear to them the difference between right and wrong.

Nothing in any film or DVD should break the law. Examiners sometimes suggest films are given a higher rating or even cut if there is anything which could be harmful. With films aimed at very young children, Examiners must think carefully about what those children know about and what might scare, confuse or upset them.

PG - Parental Guidance

Children of any age may watch a PG rated film or DVD, with or without an adult. A PG film should not worry a child aged eight or older so BBFC Examiners are thinking of eight year olds when they decide about the rating and how strong the issues are. A PG tells parents that the content of the film may upset younger or more sensitive children.

Nothing in any film or DVD should break the law. Examiners sometimes suggest films are given a higher rating or even cut if there is anything which could be harmful. The tone of a work, how it makes an audience feel, is very important. At PG, Examiners do think about what children of around eight might know about already, what might scare or upset them, and how they might react to different sorts of characters and scenes.

The 12A and 12 age ratings

The 12A rating is only used for films shown in cinemas. Films rated 12A are suitable for children aged 12 and over. However, people younger than 12 may see a 12A so long as they are accompanied by an adult. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.

The 12 rating is only found on videos and DVDs. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video or DVD. They use exactly the same rules to rate films at 12A as we use to rate videos and DVDs at 12.

The tone of a work, how it makes an audience feel, is very important, even for the 12 categories. Examiners have to think about what 12 year olds will know from school and their friends, what they understand about the world, and what concerns them the most. If a film is especially upsetting, or has a mature theme or adult tone, it may not be suitable at 12 or 12A.

15 – for 15 year-olds and over

No one younger than 15 can go and see a 15 rated film in the cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15 rated video, DVD or download. 15 rated films, videos and downloads can contain strong material including strong swearing, strong horror and strong violence.

18 – for adults only

Films, videos and downloads rated 18 are not suitable for children. No one younger than 18 can go and see an 18 rated film in the cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy an 18 rated video, DVD or download. 18 rated films, videos and downloads can contain very strong material which is only suitable for adults. This can include very strong language, horror, and violence.