U- The U age rating stands for Universal which means that the film should be suitable for audiences of the ages of four and up. The BBFC give children's films and TV programmes such as 'Teletubbies' and 'In the night garden' a U rating even though it is impossible to predict what can upset children of a young age. Films/TV programmes/Videos with the age rating of a U should not contain any traces of violence, sex, drugs, nudity, horror, or bad behaviour in general.
PG- PG stands for parental guidance which means that the product is suitable for a general audience but some sections may be unsuitable for a younger viewing audience. It is entirely the parents decision in whether they should allow their child to view certain films as some scenes can be classed as upsetting. PG films may contain some mild language. Sexual references are allowed if they are referred to in a way in which the child does not understand. However if the child is able to understand the reference, the product may be bumped up to the next age category. There may also be brief references to homosexual relationships but these are treated the same as heterosexual references. Some types of behaviour are not acceptable in a PG rating such as children playing with electricity as it can create an impression on the child viewers and they may copy the child in the films actions. There should be no direct references to drugs in a PG film unless there is a clear message to put across such as 'stay away from drugs'.
12/12A- The 12 rating is purely for use on videos, DVD's and Blu-Rays whereas the 12A rating is used in cinemas only.12A means that anyone over the age of 12 can go and see the film unaccompanied. The 'A' in 12A stands for accompanied and advisory so that anyone under the age of 12 has to go and see the film with an adult as there may be unsuitable scenes. 12A's contain a fair amount of material that parents may find unsuitable for their child so it is entirely the parents choice if they wish to allow their child to see the film. If a 12A film has a dark, unsettling tone, it may be pushed up to a 15. However, if the film has a positive, upbeat message, this can stop it from being rated as a 15. Sex may be briefly described/portrayed and the verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for the audience. Moderate violence is allowed but weapons and violence should not at all be glamorised as the children may copy. Dangerous behaviour such as suicide and self-harming may be present in some 12/12A films but the film makers should not try and make these issues seem pain free or good in any way. There may also be some references to drug use but these will not be in great detail.
15- The 15 age rating means that no-one under the age of 15 is able to go and see the film at the cinema and they are not allowed to go and rent/buy films with a 15 rating. The 15 age rating is a lot stronger than the 12/12A rating because they can include things such as: strong violence, strong language, strong verbal references to sex, several portrayals of sexual activity, brief scenes that include sexual activity, discrimination and drug taking and misuse. Even though there is strong language used, aggressive language will not be allowed and the film will be put into the higher age rating. There may be discriminatory, homophobic and racist language used but will most likely have been used as an exploration of the main themes. Sexual activity can be portrayed at a 15 but there cant be any strong or graphic detail included. Strong or crude references will most likely not be acceptable. Sadistic or graphic violence is not permitted for a 15 and the use of drug taking is allowed but must not in any way promote or encourage drug use.
18- The 18 age rating is targeted specifically at adults. No-one under the age of 18 is able to go and see/rent a film with a rating of 18 as the film is not suitable for children and may contain nudity, sexual activity, strong language, strong violence, frequent drug use, strong horror/gore, real sex, sexual violence (e.g. rape) and discriminatory language and behaviour. There is no limit on the amount of strong language and violence used in a film rated 18 and there may also be strong homophobic and racist language used. There can be very graphic and detailed portrayals of sex in 18's and there are no constraints on the amount of nudity used.
R18- The R18 rating is a special and legally restricted category which contains explicit videos and portrayals of consented sex and strong fetish material. R18 films may only be shown in specific cinemas that are licensed to do so or are sold in sex shops.
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