Key differences between each rating

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

U Rating

Universal – Suitable for all

It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences 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.

Discrimination

No discriminatory language or behaviour unless clearly disapproved of.

Drugs

No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless they are infrequent and innocuous, or there is a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable for young children.

Horror

Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause undue anxiety to young children. The outcome should be reassuring.

Imitable behaviour

No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons.

Language

Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.

Nudity

Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.

Sex

Mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) and references only (for example, to ‘making love’).

Theme

While problematic themes may be present, their treatment must be sensitive and appropriate for young children.

Violence

Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only.