What does U mean?

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.

What about works for children younger than four?

We rate films and videos aimed at very young viewers, such as Chuggington or Tinga Tinga Tales, U. However, we

give them special BBFCinsight stating they are ‘particularly suitable for pre-school children’. Films or videos with

this BBFCinsight should raise no significant issues in terms of discrimination, drugs,, imitable behaviour, language,

nudity, sex, threat or violence.

What does PG mean?

PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be

unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Parents should

consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children.

Are all PG films made for younger audiences?

No. Some films are given a PG certificate but have not been made with a young audience in mind. A recent example

of a film mostly enjoyed by grown ups but passed PG would be Saving Mr. Banks. However, the certificate means

that any issues in the work are appropriate for the majority of this age group and nothing should upset a child of

eight or over.

What does the 12A symbol mean?

Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged

under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning

to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child. To help them

decide, we recommend that they check the BBFCinsight for that film in advance. Watch our video about 12A.

What's the difference between 12A and 12?

The 12A requires an adult to accompany any child under 12 seeing a 12A film at the cinema. This is enforced by

cinema staff and a cinema may lose its license if adult accompaniment is not enforced for children under 12

admitted to a 12A film. Accompanied viewing cannot be enforced in the home, so the 12 certificate remains for

DVD/Blu-ray, rather than the 12A. The 12 is also a simpler system for retailers. It means they cannot sell or rent the

item unless the customer is over the age of 12.

What does the 15 symbol mean?

No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 rated video. 15 rated works are not

suitable for children under 15 years of age.

Are there any limits on what sort of theme a work can

have at 15?

No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

What might I see in a 15 rated film or video?

Any of the following:

  strong violence

 frequent strong language (e.g. '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

What does the 18 symbol mean?

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

video. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.

Are there any limits on what sort of theme a work can

have at 18?

No theme is prohibited at 18. Adults are free to choose their own entertainment provided the material is not illegal

or potentially harmful, so it is possible some themes tackled at 18 may be offensive even to some adult viewers.

What sort of issues might I find in an 18 film or video?

18 works are for adults and can contain strong issues such as:

  very strong violence

  frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***') and / or very strong language (e.g. ‘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