This document outlines the rating certificates for films in the UK based on their content. It describes the types of content that are acceptable at each rating level from U through 18, including what level of discrimination, drug use, dangerous behavior, language, sexuality, violence and threat is appropriate. The ratings generally increase in what content is acceptable as the numbers increase, with U being for all audiences and 18 allowing any content other than "very strong sexual scenes."

1. Certificates of films
By Nicole Collins French

2. U Rated films
U stands for ‘Universal’ which is ‘suitable for all’.
Discrimination is not likely to be seen unless the discrimination is shown to
be negative and not accepted of.
Drugs must be limited for only the purpose to educated young children.
Drugs should not be seen frequently.
Aggressive behaviour is limited and if show then it must be proved to the
audience that behaviour like so is not accepted and is wrong, so then
young children will not be prompted to copy.
No explicit language is used, only mild language like “damn2 is allowed.
Occasional nudity is accepted, but with no detail.
Only minor sexual behaviour such as kissing is allowed, nothing in detail.
Scary scenes should be mild, only animated films can include violence.

3. PG
 Discriminatory is unlikely unless outlined that the behaviour is not accepted
 References to drugs may be included if an anti-drug message is shown to the
audience
 No detail of dangerous behaviour which the youth generation is likely to copy
 Mild language may be used
 My be nudity with no sexual content however, sexual activity may be implied.
 Sequences where characters are in danger should not be intense
 Violence is minor. If used it should be for an educational purpose or is justified by
its context e.g: history, comedy or fantasy

4. 12/12A
 Discriminatory language is minimal, if used it must be shown that it is not accepted by society
 Misuse of drugs is not frequent and is not shown in detail how to use/ take the ones shown
 No dangerous behaviour which children are likely to copy is shown. No accessible weapons such as
knives are used.
 May be use of strong language depending on the manner, who is using it and why. Will not be
used frequently
 May be nudity included, but sexual scenes are not shown in detail
 Moderate sex references are used
 There may be slightly physical and psychological threat and horror sequences, however the horror
sequences should not be frequent
 May be moderate violence but should not be shown in detail. No emphasis of blood, but can
include occasional gory moments. Sexual violence is implied but not shown directly.

5. 15
 May be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory themes and language may be used ,
but the film should not endorse discriminatory behaviour
 Drugs being taken can be shown but as a whole it should not be prompted. The misuse
of substances which are easily available should not be shown.
 Dangerous behaviour such as: suicide or self harm, should not be shown in absolute
detail.
 Explicit language can be used but only in context and depending on who uses it
 Sexual activity may be shown but not in strong detail. There may be verbal references to
sexual activity, but strong references are not likely unless suitable for the context
 May be strong threat but sexual threat is unlikely

6. 18
 18 rated films include violence, sexual scenes, threat and the used of illegal drugs
 Sexual scenes can involve visible nudity and action, however very strong sexual
scenes will be placed in R18 classification
 Discrimination is acceptable in any context
 Dangerous behaviour and threat can be shown to the demographic clearly