1. Age Certificate

2. U
 The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences
aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a
particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range.
 Films or DVDs with this BBFC insight should raise no significant issues in terms of
discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, theme or
violence.
 At U we only allow very mild bad language (eg ‘damn’ and ‘hell’).
Occasionally, bad language such as ‘bloody’ or ‘bugger’ may be included, where
justified by the context.
 Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to
sexual behaviour (ie to ‘making love’). However, there will be no overt focus on
sexual behaviour, language or innuendo.
 At all categories heterosexual and homosexual sexual behaviour and activities are
treated the same – so there could be occasional very mild references to gay or
straight sex at U.
 A U film may include brief fight scenes or moments where characters are placed
in danger. However, moments of emotional stress or threat will be quickly
resolved and the outcome will be reassuring.
 At U there will not normally be references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse unless
there is a very clear anti-drugs or educational message which will be understood
by a younger audience.

3. PG
 PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some
scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film should not disturb a child aged
around eight or older.
 No theme is prohibited at PG, as long as it is treated in a manner appropriate to the category.
PG works can explore challenging issues such as domestic violence, bereavement or racism.
In a PG work, illegal or antisocial behaviour, such as bullying, will not be condoned or seen to
go unchallenged. Smoking and drinking will not be promoted or glamorised and if child
characters are seen smoking or drinking, there should be a clear message that this is bad. I
 There may be mild bad language (such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’) in a PG film, but the
context and delivery are always important.
 References to sex are acceptable if the activity talked about or shown is implied and lacking
in detail. In addition, if a child is unlikely to understand a reference, we may allow it at PG.
Heterosexual and homosexual sex and sex references are treated the same – so there could
be mild or undetailed references to gay or straight sex at PG.
 There should be no detail of violence in a PG work, so while there might be some blood, we
would not see how the injury was inflicted in strong detail.
 Potentially dangerous behaviour which children might copy is unlikely to be acceptable at
PG, especially if it comes across as safe or fun
 There might be innocuous or passing references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse in a PG
work, although there should be no strong focus on this. In addition drug references may be
permissible if there is a clear anti-drugs or educational message.

4. 12A & 12
 12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film
unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Children younger than
12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult (eg someone over the age of
18), who must watch the film with them.
 The 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. 12A is for films at the cinema
only.
 There may be strong language (eg 'f***') at 12 or 12A, but it must be infrequent. The
context of the strong language is important. There may be moderate language (eg uses
of terms such as ‘bitch’ and ‘twat’ at 12 or 12A). Aggressive discriminatory language (for
example homophobic or racist terms) is unlikely to be passed at 12 or 12A unless it is
clearly condemned.
 Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12 or 12A. Verbal sex references
should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. There may be nudity in 12A
films but sexual nudity should only be brief and discreet. Heterosexual and
homosexual sex and sex references are treated the same.
 moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no
emphasis on injuries or blood. Sexual violence, such as scenes of rape or assault,
may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated at 12A. Such scenes must
also have a strong contextual justification.
 Dangerous behaviour (for example hanging, suicide and self-harming) may be present in
12 or 12A works but will not dwell on detail . There may be infrequent sight of drugs
misuse in a 12 or a 12A but the portrayal should not be glamorised or provide
instructional details.

5. 15
 No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD.
 No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.
 15 works are stronger than 12 or 12A rated works and could include any of the following:
 strong violence
 frequent strong language (eg 'f***').
 portrayals of sexual activity
 strong verbal references to sex
 sexual nudity
 brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
 discriminatory language or behaviour
 drug taking
 There could potentially be a great deal of strong language. At 15 there is no upper limit on the
number of uses of strong language (eg f***). Occasionally there may be uses of the strongest terms
(eg 'c***'), although continued or aggressive use will not normally be passed 15.
 There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language, and the work could explore
themes relating to this.
 sexual activity can be portrayed, as long as there is no strong or graphic detail. Some sex
scenes can be quite long at this category and may involve some nudity and movement. Though nudity
may be allowed in a sexual context there should be no strong detail.
 It should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury, however, and the strongest gory images are
unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable.
Easily accessible weapons may not be glamorised.

6. 18
 Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or
buy/rent an 18 rated DVD. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.
 No theme is prohibited at 18. Adults are free to pick their own entertainment within the law.
 18 works are for adults and can contain strong issues such as:
 very strong violence
 frequent strong language (eg 'f***') and/or very strong language (eg ‘c***’)
 strong portrayals of sexual activity
 scenes of sexual violence
 strong horror
 strong blood and gore
 real sex (in some circumstances)
 discriminatory language and behaviour
 no limit on the number of uses of strong (eg 'f***') or even very strong language (eg ‘c***’).
 There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language at 18, and the work
could explore themes relating to this. Though a work as a whole must not be in breach of any
relevant legislation.
 There can be strong and detailed portrayals of sex at 18, including full nudity. There
are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. Very strong, crude and
explicit sex references are permitted at 18.
 18 films and DVDs may cover difficult and strong subjects and themes, harm is still a
consideration. Very dangerous or criminal behaviour may be cut.