The document outlines various BBFC film certifications in the UK and what content is appropriate for each rating. A U rating means films are suitable for audiences aged 4 and up and should promote positive messages. PG means children of any age can watch but films shouldn't distress children aged 8 or older. 12A means those 12 and over can watch in cinemas but those under 12 need an accompanying adult. 15, 18 ratings restrict increasingly stronger violent, sexual, or drug-related content to older audiences. The BBFC aims to help parents make informed choices about what is suitable for their children to watch.

1. BBFC Certifications
By Alex Fletcher

2. U
• Films given the certification of ‘U’ are suitable for audiences over
the age of 4
Films given this certificate should be based around a good moral
guideline portraying a reassuring environment.
• The film must deal with any violence and must show no
inappropriate imagery that could influence negative behaviour on
children.

3. PG
• Unaccompanied children of any age may watch
A ‘PG’ film should not distress a child aged around eight or
older.
• Parents must consider wether their child might be disturbed by
the film

4. 12
• Contents is suitable for viewers aged 12 and above and deemed
inappropriate for children under the age of 12
• ’12’ films must contain mild violence, mild sexual scenes, mild
language and infrequent drug use.

5. 1A
2
• 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 are not recommended to children
under the age of 12. The adult may accompany the child if they
deem the film suitable for that child
• Features in a 12A will be less intense than in a 12

6. 15
• Drug use can be shown but the film must not promote
it
Violence, nudity and sexual activities may be strong
but not the strongest it could be
• Strong language may be used but only in context

7. 18
• No one under the age of 18 may rent/buy or watch
films rated with an 18 certificate
• Only appropriate for adults as the films may contain
very strong scenes that ma offend viewers under the
age of 18

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