U- U stands for universal, A 'U' film should be watched by people aged 4 and above, however there are certain cases where the bbfc will note "Particularly suitable for pre- school children", this means that the film can be viewed by anyone.
A 'U' film is only allowed infrequent use of very mild language such as 'hell' or 'damn'. this should still be only or a rare occasion and only where necessary.
Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling however there isn't a focus on sexual behaviour, innuendo or language.
violence is always very mild. If any of the characters have a fight or are in danger, the situation is resolved very quickly.
There will never be any reference to illegal drug in a film classified as 'U'.
PG- PG stands for parental guidance. These films are suitable for general viewing, however there can be some scenes that are not suitable for young children. A PG film shouldn't be disturbing to anyone aged 8 or over. Parents are advised to watch the film either before or with the child to decide whether it would be suitable for their child to watch.
In a PG film there can be mild bad language. It has to be in context with the narrative though. If the language is used aggressively, the film will pass at a higher age rating.
In a PG film violence is generally quite mild, there is never any great detail into violence. Sometimes there could be some blood shown, however there isn't detail into how the injury came about.
references to sex aren't usually allowed in a PG, however if a child is unlikely to be able to understand the reference, it may be allowed.
There isn't usually any references to drugs in a PG, however if the film focuses on enforcing clear anti-drug messages then it can sometimes be allowed. There is never any strong detail into drug abuse.
12A/12- 12 means that no one under the age of 12 is allowed to watch the film. Sometimes a film is classed as a 12A, this means that if someone under the age of 12 wants to watch the movie, they can just as long as they are accompanied by an adult. the adult must make the decision of whether the film will be suitable for their child before hand.
the use of strong language is allowed in a 12/12A, however it depends o the way it is being used, who is saying it, how many times it is said and the context behind why it is being said. If the language is used in an aggressive way, the film could be classed as a 15.
sexual behaviour can be briefly and discreetly portrayed in a 12/12A film, however it will be reasonably mild and it won't be used frequently.
In a 12A/12 film violence is very moderate, again detail is not included massively. There isn't any emphasis on injuries however they may be a few gory details depending on whether they can be justified.
weapons that 12 year olds would be able to get hold of would not be glorified or be used excessively.
there my be in-frequent drug use is a 12 film, however detail is not permitted.
15- A 15 film mean that you have to 15 or over to watch it.
Strong violence, frequent strong language, portrayals of sexual activity, sexual nudity, strong verbal references to sex, brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence, discriminatory language or behaviour and drug use can be seen in a 15 film.
There could be a large amount of strong language in a 15 film. It can be used as frequently as the producers want.
In a 15, sexual activity can be portrayed, however, this is usually without strong detail. There is no constraints on nudity in an educational or non- sexual way.
Strong violence can be included in a 15, despite this, it should no dwell on detail and the strongest gory images are unlikely to be permitted.
In a 15, drug taking may be shown. Drugs and drug misuse must not be promoted.
18- An 18 film means that you must be 18 or over to watch the film.
18 films can contain content such as, very strong language, frequent strong language, strong portrayals of sexual activity, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, strong blood and gore, real sex (in certain circumstances) and discriminatory behaviour.
This is no limit on strong language in an 18 film. It can be as strong or used as frequently as wanted. Uses of this language can be aggressive, directed, frequent or accompanied by strong violence.
There can be strong portrayals of sex in an 18 film, including full nudity. very crude, strong and explicit sex references are permitted in an 18 film.
In an 18 film, strong violence can be portrayed with strong detail. there can even be dwelling on the infliction of injury within the film.
Drug use can be fully shown, however drug misuse must not be encouraged.
