This document defines the various film certification symbols used in the UK: U means for all ages 4+, PG means for ages 8+ but some scenes may not be suitable for younger children, 12A means anyone 12+ can watch unaccompanied but those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, 15 means no one under 15 can watch, 18 means no one under 18 can watch, and R18 means explicit material only shown to adults in licensed cinemas. Film certifications are important to indicate what content a film may include and whether viewers and parents should consider it appropriate.

1. Certification.
By Joseph Nicholls

2. What does U mean?
• 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.

3. What does PG mean?
• 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.

4. What does the 12A symbol mean?
• 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 (e.g. someone over the
age of 18), who must watch the film with them.

5. What does the 12A symbol mean?
• 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.

6. What does the 15 symbol mean?
• No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at
the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD. 15
rated works are not suitable for children under
15 years of age.

7. What does the 18 symbol mean?
• 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 DVD. No 18 rated works are
suitable for children.

8. What does R18 mean?
• The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally
restricted classification primarily for explicit
works of consenting sex or material
involving adults. Films may only be shown to
adults in specially licensed cinemas. ‘R18’
videos may not be supplied by mail order.

9. Why do we have Certifications?
• Certifications are extremely important in the producing and
distributing of films. It highlights to the viewer and parents
what the film may include and whether it is appropriate for
them to watch.
• Companies can also use it to categorise movies.