Uc suitable for all but especially children under five. Examples include Tweenies, Pingu and Teletubbies.U stands for 'Universal', meaning the film, video or DVD is suitable for anyone. Examples include Nanny McPhee and Madagascar.PG stands for 'Parental Guidance', which means that some parts of the film might not be ideal for younger children... Parents ought to think carefully before taking them! Recent examples are Bewitched and Chronicles of Narnia.12A is only for films released at the cinema. It tells parents that the film is best suited for those aged 12 and above. Parents can take along under-12s if they choose, so long as they accompany them. Example: King Kong 12 is now only ever seen on videos and DVDs. As with the 12A, it tells parents that the content is best suited for those aged 12 and above. Recent examples, all of which were also certified 12A for cinema, include Batman Begins and Hitch. 15 tells us that the film, video or DVD is really only suitable for those aged 15 or above. Only people aged 15 or older are allowed to view a 15-rated film at the cinema.18 tells us that the film, video or DVD is only suitable for adults (people aged eighteen or more). Only adults are allowed to view an 18-rated film at the cinema.
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1212A

THE '12A' AND '12' CATEGORY

What does the ‘12A’ symbol mean?


Pirates of the Caribbean:
Dead Man's Chest
The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'.  '12A' means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied.  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. 

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.  Parents or guardians must decide whether the film is suitable for their child or children.

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?

References to sex in a ‘12A’ film or DVD may reflect what is familiar to most adolescents, but should not go beyond what is suitable for them.  Sex scenes will be brief and discreet.

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

At ‘12A’, violence must not dwell on detail and there should be no emphasis on injuries or blood. However, in a horror context, occasional gory images may be allowed. 

What about drugs at ‘12A’?

There may be infrequent sight of drugs misuse in 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
Harry Potter and
the Order of the Phoenix
This line of additional information explains why the film received its certificate.  Was it because of the violence, bad language or another reason?  The Consumer Advice appears on posters, in TV advertisements and alongside the billings in local newspapers. For further information about Consumer Advice, click here.

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.


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