U Universal - Suitable for anyone. It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a 'U' film should be suitable for aged four years and over. 'U' films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. If a work is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice.
PG Parental Guidance – General viewing, but somescenes may be unsuitablefor young childrenUnaccompanied children ofany age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a childaged around eight or older.However, parents are advisedto consider whether the content may upset younger or moresensitive children.
12A/12 – Suitable for 12 years and overExactly the same criteria areused to classify works at ‘12A’and ‘12’. These categories areawarded where the material issuitable, in general, only forthose aged 12 and over. Worksclassified at these categoriesmay upset children under 12or contain material which manyparents will find unsuitablefor them.The ‘12A’ category exists onlyfor cinema films. No one youngerthan 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in acinema unless accompanied byan adult, and films classified‘12A’ are not recommended for achild below 12. An adult may takea younger child if, in theirjudgement, the film is suitablefor that particular child. In suchcircumstances, responsibility forallowing a child under 12 to viewlies with the accompanying adult.The ‘12’ category exists only forvideo works. No one younger than12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ ratedvideo work.
15 –Suitable only for 15 years and over. No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.
18 -Suitable only for adults. No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.
