The document outlines the UK film certification ratings from most restrictive to least restrictive. The U rating is for all ages, PG requires parental guidance for young children, 12A is unsuitable for very young people and allows moderate language and violence, 15 restricts viewing to ages 15 and up and allows adult themes and stronger violence/language, 18 has no limits but is restricted to ages 18 and up, and R18 is only shown in licensed adult venues and allows graphic depictions of sex and violence.

1. Film Certifications

2. U
• Universal
• A 'U' film should be suitable for audiences
aged four years and over as what upset's a
child cannot be predicted. If there is any
violence, threat or horror it will offer
reassuring counterbalance or it will be
extremely mild and brief

3. PG
• Parental guidance
• General viewing, however some scenes may
be unsuitable for young children. Children do
not have to be accompanied by an adult if
they do not wish to be. It advises parents that
the content may upset there child.
• Mild bad language and sex references and
moderate violence only.

4. 12/12A
• 12A/12
• The category '12A' is for cinema use only.
Unsuitable for very young people. Moderate
language, soft drugs, discrimination, moderate
sex references/violence.

5. 15
• 15
• Films in this category may involve adult
themes such as hard drugs, strong words,
moderate-strong violence and sex references,
also possibly mild non-detailed sex activity
making it unsuitable for anyone younger than
'15'.

6. 18
• 18
• There is no limit on bad language that is used
in '18' films. Scenes of strong violence, hard
drug use, sexual references and strong sexual
activity may all be in the film.

7. R18
• R18
• As these films can be so graphic they can only
be shown at licensed cinemas or sold in
licensed sex shops for adult viewing only. The
violence and sex activity involved in 'R18' films
is stronger than in an '18'.
• These films also involve sexual violence such
as rape and fetish.