Classifications Of Films

U

U stands for Universal. This means that there is almost nothing deemed unsuitable for the viewing of children, and that the viewer will be fit for audience  of all ages.

• Language - only very mild bad language (e.g damn, hell)
• Sexual Content - kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual behaviour. However, there will be no overt focus on sexual behaviour, language 
• Violence -  will generally be very mild. It may include brief fight/scary scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger. however, these scenes will be balanced by reassuring elements, such as comic interludes or music.
• Drugs -  Drugs would not feature in a U film unless they were being included for educational purposes.

PG

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. 

• Language - There may be mild bad language (such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’)
• Sexual Content - Sex references are unlikely unless they are undetailed and infrequent.
• Violence - Violence will usually be mild. It normally includes no detail of violence, so there might be some blood, we would not see how the injury was inflicted in strong detail. Violence is generally more acceptable in a historical, comedic or fantasy setting, because of the distancing that this provides.
• Drugs - There might be low level references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse, although there should be no strong focus on this. But it could be included for educational purposes.

 12/12A

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.

• Language - strong language (e.g. 'f***') may be passed at 12 or 12A
• Sexual Content - Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12A or 12. Verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. 
• Violence - Moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted. Action sequences and weapons may be present at 12A or 12, and there may be long fight scenes or similar. Weapons which might be easily accessible to 12 year olds (such as knives) should not be glamorised in 12A and 12 works.

• Drugs -  There may be infrequent sight of drugs misuse in a 12A or a 12 but the portrayal should not be glamorised or provide instructional detail.

15

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.

• Language - There could potentially be a great deal. At 15 there is no upper limit on the number of uses of strong language (e.g. ‘f***’).
  Occasionally there may be uses of the strongest terms (e.g. 'c***')
• Sexual Content - At 15 sexual activity can be portrayed, but usually without strong detail. Some sex scenes can be quite long at this category. Though nudity may be allowed in a sexual context there will usually be no strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

• 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.
• Drugs - At 15 drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.
  The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances like aerosols or solvents is unlikely to be acceptable at 15.

18

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.

• Language - There is no limit on the number of uses of strong (e.g. 'f***') or even very strong language (e.g. ‘c***’) which can be passed at 18. Uses could be aggressive, directed, frequent or accompanied by strong violence.
• Sexual Content - There can be strong and detailed portrayals of sex at 18, including full nudity. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
• Violence - Violence can be strong and be portrayed with strong detail. There may even be dwelling on the infliction of pain or injury, or scenes of strong sadistic or sexual violence.
• Drugs - Drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.