This document outlines the rating categories used by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC): - The 'U' category is for all ages and allows very mild language and kissing but no emphasis on violence. - The 'PG' category is suitable for ages 8 and up and allows mild language and references to sex or drugs. - The '12A' and '12' categories allow stronger language but no frequent swearing, brief sexual content, and moderate violence. - The '15' category contains strong violence, language, sexual activity and references but no sexual violence. - The '18' category restricts viewers to ages 18 and up and contains very strong language, violence and sexual content

1. SBBFC
By Kathleen Soriano

2. The ‘U’ Category
 ‘U’ stands for ‘Universal’.
 Should be suitable for audiences of the age 4 and
over.
 Only very mild language is present, e.g. damn and
hell.
 Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling.
 Brief scary and fight scenes and no emphasis on use
of weapons.
 ‘U’ films will contain positive messages about loyalty,
honest and friendship.
 Have a happy ending.
 Overall tone should be one of reassurance.

3. The ‘PG’ Category
 ‘PG’ stands for Parental Guidance. This means that
it’s suitable for general viewing but some scenes may
be unsuitable for younger children.
 Should not disturb a child around the age of 8 or
older.
 Mild bad language used such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a
bitch’.
 References to sex are only shown if lacking in detail.
 No detail of violence but blood may be shown.
 May be passing references to illegal drugs or drugs
misuse.

4. The ’12A’ and ‘12’ Category
 The A stands for ‘accompanied’ and ‘advisory’ in
‘12A’.
 The ‘12’ certificate is just for videos, DVDs and
games.
 There may be use of strong language such as ‘f***’
but it cannot be frequent.
 Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed.
 Moderate violence can be shown but not in detail. No
emphasis on injuries or blood but there may be gore.
 Dangerous behaviour such as, hanging, suicide and
self harming, may be present but will not dwell on
detail.

5. The ‘15’ Category
 No-one under 15 is allowed to see a ‘15’ film at the
cinema or buy/rent one.
 There would be:
- strong violence
- frequent strong language, e.g. ‘f***’
- portrayals of sexual activity
- strong verbal references to sex
- sexual nudity
- brief scenes of sexual violence/verbal references to
sexual violence
- discriminatory language/behaviour and drug taking

6. The ‘18’ Category
 No-one under 18 is allowed to see an ‘18’ film at the
cinema or buy/rent one.
 There would be:
- very strong violence
- frequent strong language, e.g. ‘f***’ and/or very
strong language, e.g. ‘c***’
- strong portrayals of sexual activity
- scenes of sexual violence
- strong horror
- strong blood and gore
- discriminatory language and behaviour

7. 10 Thriller Movie Age Ratings
 Inception 12A
 The Dark Knight 12A
 The Usual Suspects 18
 The Silence of the Lambs 18
 Se7en 18
 Taxi Driver 18
 Black Swan 15
 Jaws PG
 Terminator 2 15
 Batman Begins 12