BBFC Certificates

A‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. They should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

If a film is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice.

‘PG’ stands for ‘Parental Guidance’. ‘PG’ films are for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, only for those aged 12 and over. Films classified at these certificates may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them. The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult and films classified '12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12.

An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult. The ‘12’ category exists only for films. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated film.

No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ certificated film in a cinema, neither can they buy or rent the ‘15’ certificated film.

No-one younger than 18 may see a ‘18’ certificated film in a cinema, neither can they buy or rent the ‘18’ certificated film.

The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit material of sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and films may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. ‘R18’ films may not be supplied by mail order.

By Natalie Grant.