This document outlines the age restrictions and content guidelines for films rated 12, 12A, 15, and 18 in the UK. Films rated 12 can contain mild language and brief nudity or sex references but not discriminatory language. Films rated 12A are the same but can be watched by children accompanied by an adult. Films rated 15 can have stronger language, discriminatory language, and sex scenes as long as they are not graphic. Films rated 18 can contain very strong language, graphic violence including blood and gore, strong sexual content including real sex scenes, and discriminatory language.

1. Age restrictions for films

2. 12
• This is for 12 and over.
• A 12 film can contain strong language but this has to be
infrequent, there may be moderate language but discriminatory
language will most probably not be in a 12 film.
• All sex references must be brief and discreet, any nudity must be
infrequent and crude sex references should only be brief.
• Sexual violence must be brief, the use of weapons and fight scenes
are acceptable but there must not be too much sight of gory and
bloody injuries, this is okay in brief and discreet. All must be in
context with the film to have justification.
• Dangerous behaviour can be shown but this can not be in much
detail, discriminatory behaviour should not be shown and the use
of drugs can be only is this is infrequent.
• The use of drugs and weapons must not be glamorised.
12A
• This is only seen in cinemas as this, it is for only 12 and over
without an adult but there can be children under this age to watch
the film if they are accompanied by an adult.

3. 15
• This means only over 15’s can watch films
• There can be a lot of swearing in a 15 film, this
can not be over aggressive frequently.
• There can be discriminatory language in a 15 to
explore themes.
• There can be sex references and activity this must
not be in detail, strong sexual references and sex
scenes and nudity can be in there as long as they
are in context.
• Strong violence can be included, gory images are
not allowed, the violence must not be sadistic or
sexualised, weapons must not be glamorised.

4. 18
• Only over 18’s can watch this film at cinema or on
dvd
• Strong language can be frequent and aggressive
• Very strong violence
• Can be strong sexual scenes and activity
• Sexual violence can be in a 18 film
• Strong blood and gory images in a 18 film
• Discriminatory language
• Real sex