Certification Research

U stands for Universal which means that a film with this certification is suitable for ages four and over. As these films allow younger viewers to watch them, they must have certain  restrictions.
- Sexual activity is prohibited
- No violence or horror is allowed 
- No references to drugs and alcohol
Despite having strict restrictions, there are many films with this certification. These films are most likely to be family, comedy or kids films.

PG stands for parental guidance. It is general viewing and all ages can see the films but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children, hence why the child may have to have parental guidance. - - References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.
- Mild bad language only.
- There may be some nudity but with no sexual content.
- Violence is usually mild (without detail)


 Films with a certification of 12A or 12 means that the film is advisedly suitable for children aged 12 and over. Any child that wishes to see a film of this classification and is under the age of 12 will not be allowed without an adult present.
- Use of drugs must be unfrequent and must not promote them.
- Not too much violence as these children are likely to copy.
- Strong language may be permitted, depending on the manner in    which  it is used.
-There may be nudity, but in a sexual context it must be brief and discreet.
-There may be moderate violence but it should not dwell on detail.


No one under the age of 15 are allowed to watch this film in cinema.
   - Drugs may be taken and shown in the film but must not encourage illegal drug use.
- Dangerous behaviour such as suicide may be shown but not in detail as it may be copied.
- Very strong language may be permitted.
- There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. There may be nudity in a sexual context but usually without strong detail.
- Sexual activity may be portrayed, but usually without strong detail. 
- Violence may be strong 


No one younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy an 18 rated video work.

Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

- where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence

-where material or treatment appears to us to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society. For example, the detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sadistic or sexual violence which make this violence look appealing; reinforce the suggestion that victims enjoy sexual violence; or which invite viewer complicity in sexual violence or other harmful violent activities

- where there are more explicit images of sexual activity in the context of a sex work (see below) or where the primary purpose of the images in question is sexual arousal In the case of video works, which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.