U-PG:
- Discrimination of an unrelatable character or in an historical/educational context is fine if disapproved of.
- There can be an anti-drug message
- There can be frightening sequences if in a fantasy setting (still not prolonged)
- Still no imitable behaviour
- No specification of mild bad language
- No specification of occasional natural nudity
- Sexual innuendo allowed but discreet
- More mature themes/serious problems (eg. domestic violence) allowed but still in a mild way
- Violence can be stronger at a PG but can’t be in detail and justified by context
- Horror can be more frightening at a PG but cannot be prolonged and fantasy is treated less strictly
PG-12A
- Discrimination can be more aggressive if condemned
- 12A now allows infrequent, non-glamorised misuse of drugs
- Horror allowed to be prolonged provided they are infrequent
- Same rules apply to imitable behaviour
- There can be moderate language at 12A eg. infrequent use of the 'f' word
- Nudity doesn't have to be natural anymore and sexual nudity must be brief and discreet
- Sexual activity can go further than implied but discreetly portrayed
- Mature themes must be acceptable for young teens
- Violence doesn't need to be justified by context although sexual violence is now allowed but may be implied and must have strong contextual justification
12A-15
- Discrimination doesn't have to be condemned at a 15 but not endorse it
- Drug use doesn't have to be infrequent and can be glamourised but the film as a whole should not endorse this
- Strong horror and threat allowed at a 15 but not sexualised or sadistic
- Strong language like the 'c' word allowed if justified by context and infrequent
- No longer constraints on nudity in a sexual or educational context
- Sex doesn't have to be brief or discreet any more
- Theme must be suitable for 15 year olds
- There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.
15-18
- Viewers are adults so completely free to choose their own entertainment
- Illegal drug use is not allowed
- Sexualised violence is allowed in a 18 but cannot cause potential harm to anyone or society
- Clear images of real sex is still not permitted
18-R18
- Work must still NOT breach laws
- R18 films are primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults.
- Only allowed in specially licenced cinemas or sex shops
Suitable for 12 years and over
Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories 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 video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.
Discrimination
Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.
Drugs
Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.
Horror
Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.
Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Language
Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.
Nudity
Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.
Sex
Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.
Theme
Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.
Violence
Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.
