The document summarizes the different age ratings used by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) to inform viewers about the content in a film. The ratings include: Universal (U) for all ages; Parental Guidance (PG) which may have mild language or violence; 12A/12 which can have moderate language, threats, or horror; 15 which can have racist or discriminatory themes as well as depictions of drugs; 18 which is only for adults and can show sexual activity; and R18 which contains explicit sexual content and is only shown in licensed establishments for adults.

1. BBFC’s classification informs the parents or any individual about the age certificate
each movie/trailer presents and what it consists of.

2. U Universal – Suitable for all
U films contain little to no nudity, no
sexual content or violence. There is
no emphasis on weapons, drugs
(unless it is for educational
purposes) and discrimination. These
films are aimed for audiences aged
four years and over.

3. PG Parental Guidance – General viewing,
but some scenes may be unsuitable for
young children
PG Films do not contain references to drugs
and discrimination. There is no detail of
potentially dangerous behaviour, no
weapons/knives presented, no nudity in a
sexual context or frightening sequences.
There will be, however, mild bad language
and mild violence, nothing aggressive.

4. 12A/12 – Suitable for 12 years and over
Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not
generally suitable for children aged under 12. There may be moderate or
strong language as well as moderate psychological and physical threat and
horror sequences. Sexual activity is represented but briefly and subtly.
Violence is also moderate but not strongly emphasised. Misuse of drugs is not
frequent.

5. 15 – Suitable only for 15 years and over
No one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a
cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or
buy a 15 rated video work. There may be racist,
homophobic and discriminatory themes, drugs
may be shown, dangerous behaviour is not
strongly detailed, sexual activity is represented
but without detail. The films could contain
strong verbal references to sexual behaviour,
strong threat and horror, violence may be
strong but not detailed.

6. 18 – Suitable only for adults
No one younger than 18 may see
an 18 film in a cinema. No one
younger than 18 may rent or buy
an 18 rated video work. These films
may contain sexual activity and sex
works.

7. R18 - To be shown only in specially
licensed cinemas, or supplied only in
licensed sex shops, and to adults only
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 video works may
not be supplied by mail order.