The document discusses the differences between a 15 and 12A film rating in the UK. A 15 rating means no one under 15 can see the film. Films rated 15 can contain strong violence, frequent strong language, portrayals of sexual activity, brief scenes of sexual violence if justified by context, and discriminatory language as long as it is not endorsed. Sex scenes can be longer than a 12A but without strong detail. Strong violence is allowed but not if it dwells on pain/injury. Drug use can be shown but not promoted. Dangerous behaviors that teens could copy should not be shown in detail.

1. Research Into Certificate
- 15
Ellie Lovatt

2. What does the 15 symbol
mean?
The 15 symbol means that no one under
15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the
cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD. 15
rated films are not suitable for children
under the age of 15.

3. How is a 15 stronger than a
12A?
15 films are stronger than 12 or 12A rated works and could include any of the
following:
•
Strong violence
•
Frequent strong language (eg f**k)
•
Portrayals of sexual activity
•
Strong verbal references to to sex
•
Sexual nudity
•
Brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
•
Discriminatory language or behaviour
•
Drug taking

4. How much strong language is
there in a 15?
There could potentially be a great deal. At 15
there is no upper limit on the number of the
uses of strong language (eg f**k)
Occasionally there may be uses of the
strongest terms (eg c**t), although continued or
aggressive use will not normally be passed 15.

5. Discriminatory or offensive
terms?
There may be racist, homophobic or other
discriminatory language, and the work could
explore themes relating to this.
However, at 15 the work as a whole must not
endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

6. How much sex and nudity is
allowed?
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.
There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational
context.
There can be strong references to sex and sexual behavior, but
especially strong or crude references are unlikely to be acceptable
unless justified by context.
Heterosexual and homosexual sex and sex references are treated
the same.

7. Can there be strong
violence?
Yes, at 15 violence may be strong. It should not dwell on the
infliction of pain or injury, however, and the strongest gory images
are unlikely to be acceptable.
Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be
acceptable.
Easily accessible weapons may not be glamorised.
What about sexual violence?
There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence (for
example descriptions of rape or sexual assault in a courtroom
scene or in victim testimony) but any portrayal of sexual violence
must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

8. Can you see drugs in a 15
rated film?
At 15 drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole
must not promote or encourage drug misuse.
The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous
substances like aerosols or solvents is unlikely to be
acceptable at 15.
What about dangerous behaviour or things teens might
copy?
We consider the risk of potential harm to impressionable
teenagers. For example, dangerous behaviour such as
hanging, suicide and self-harming should not dwell on detail
which could be copied.