The document provides information on the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) rating system, summarizing the content restrictions and guidelines for films rated U, PG, 12A, 15, and 18. Films rated U are generally suitable for all ages four and over, though some content is restricted. PG films can contain mild language and implied sexual references. Films rated 12A can show brief and discreet sex scenes along with infrequent strong language. The 15 rating allows for strong language, sexual activity without graphic detail, and strong horror content. The 18 rating has no content restrictions and can include very strong language, graphic sex scenes, and violence with strong detail.

1. Certified Ratings
By Kyle Whitfield

2. • The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable
for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is
impossible to predict what might upset a particular
child, especially at this lower end of the category range.
• The only violence in a U rated film is brief fighting scenes that
might put the character in to some danger but nothing over
whelming such as a sword fight.
• The only sexual context in the U rated films are kissing there
maybe be hints at “making love” however it would never be
showed.
• At U there will not normally be references to illegal drugs
or drugs misuse unless there is a very clear anti-drugs or
educational message which will be understood by a
younger audience.
• Drugs references which are unlikely to register with
young children and are brief or passing may occasionally
be passed at U – for example a verbal reference to „the

4. PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is
suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be
unsuitable for younger children. A PG film should not disturb a
child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider
whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive
children.
There may be mild bad language (such as „shit‟ or „son of a
bitch‟) in a PG film, but the context and delivery are always
important. For example, if the language is used aggressively
or if there is too much bad language, a work may be passed
at the next category.
References to sex are acceptable if the activity talked about
or shown is implied and lacking in detail. In addition, if a child
is unlikely to understand a reference, we may allow it at PG.
Comedy can also often lessen the impact of sex references
and innuendo.
Heterosexual and homosexual sex and sex references are
treated the same – so there could be mild or undetailed

6. • 12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film
unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Children
younger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult (eg
someone over the age of 18), who must watch the film with them.
• Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12 or 12A. Verbal sex
references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers.
Comedy may lessen the impact of some moderate sex references or
innuendo but frequent crude sex references are unlikely to be accepted at
this category. There may be nudity in 12A films but sexual nudity should
only be brief and discreet.
• The BBFC's Guidelines state that there may be strong language (eg 'f***')
at 12 or 12A, but it must be infrequent. The context of the strong
language is important. Aggressive uses of strong language may result in
a film or DVD being placed at the 15 category. There is some allowance
for puns on strong language at this category.

8. There could potentially be a great deal. At 15 there is
no upper limit on the number of uses of strong
language (eg f***).Occasionally there may be uses of
the strongest terms (eg 'c***'), although continued or
aggressive use will not normally be passed 15.
At 15 sexual activity can be portrayed, as long as
there is no strong or graphic detail. Some sex scenes
can be quite long at this category and may involve
some nudity and movement. Though nudity may be
allowed in a sexual context there should be no strong
detail.
Many horror films are rated 15. At 15 there can be
strong threat and menace (as long as it is not sadistic
or sexualised), although the strongest gory images
are unlikely to be acceptable

10. There is no limit on the number of uses of strong (eg 'f***')
or even very strong language (eg „c***‟) which can be
passed at 18. Uses could be aggressive, directed, frequent
or accompanied by strong violence.
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.
Yes, at 18 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.
The strongest horror works are passed at 18, they may
contain strong horror, gore or sustained threat and menace
which exceeds the boundaries of 15