THE '12A' AND '12' CATEGORY

What does the ‘12A’ symbol mean?

The Dark Knight

What's the difference between '12' and '12A'?

The '12' certificate is just for videos, DVDs and games.  '12A' is for films only.

Is there a lower age limit for a '12A' film?

No. However, the BBFC considers the content of '12A' rated films to be suitable for children aged 12 and over, and we would not recommend taking very young children to see them. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.

How important is the tone of a film at ‘12’ or ‘12A’?

The overall tone of a film, DVD or video game, and the way it makes the audience feel may affect the classification. For example, a work which has a very dark or unsettling tone which could disturb the audience would be less likely to be passed ‘12A’ even if the individual issues in the film were considered acceptable under the BBFC guidelines. Similarly, if a work is particularly positive or reassuring this may stop it being pushed up a category.

Will there be uses of strong language in a ‘12’ or ‘12A’ work?

The BBFC's Guidelines state that there may be strong language (eg 'f***') at ‘12’ or ‘12A’, but it must be infrequent. The context of the strong language is important and aggressive uses of strong language may result in a film or DVD being placed at the ‘15’ category. There is some allowance for puns on strong language at this category. There may be moderate language (uses of terms such as ‘bitch’ and ‘twat’ at ‘12’ 0r ‘12A’.

Discriminatory language may be present but will not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive use of discriminatory language (for example homophobic or racist terms) is unlikely to be acceptable at ‘12’ or ‘12A’ unless it is clearly condemned,

Will there be uses of strong language in a ‘12A’ work?

The BBFC's Guidelines state that there may be strong language (eg 'f***') at ‘12A’, but it must be infrequent. The context of the strong language is important and aggressive uses of strong language may result in a film or DVD being placed at the ‘15’ category. There is some allowance for puns on strong language at this category.

Spider-Man 3

Do ‘12A’ films contain sex?

Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed in a ‘12A’ film, DVD or video game. Verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers and frequent crude sex references are unlikely to be accepted. There may be nudity in ‘12A’ films but sexual nudity should only be brief and discreet.

What sort of violence can I expect in a ‘12' or '12A’ ?

At ‘12A’, moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if they can be justified by their context (for example brief sight of bloody injury in a medical drama).
Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated at ‘12A’. It must also have a strong contextual justification.

Can horror films be passed ‘12’ or ‘12A’?

Yes, some horror films are passed at this category. Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at ‘12’ or ‘12A’ as long as disturbing sequences are not too frequent or sustained.

What about other issues like imitable behaviour or drugs at ‘12’ or ‘12A’?

Dangerous behaviour (for example hanging, suicide and self-harming) may be present in ‘12’ or ‘12A’ works but will not dwell on detail which could be copied or present those activities as pain or harm free. Weapons which might be easily accessible to 12 year olds should not be glamorised in ‘12A’ and ‘12’ works. Discriminatory behaviour should not be endorsed by the film as a whole.

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.

How can I find out more?

In order to provide adults with more information about a work, the BBFC produces 'Consumer Advice' for each film. 

Harry Potter and
the Order of the Phoenix

Further information for parents is available on this website. A film search will provide comprehensive information on exactly why a film or DVD has been given a particular category. All the issues are discussed in detail and parents can use this information to make informed decisions when choosing viewing material for their children.