Universal

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 does PG mean?

PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for

general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film should not

disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider

whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive children.

Parental Guidance

The 12A rating is only used for films shown in cinemas. It is given to films that are best suited to those aged 12 or older. However, people younger

than 12 may see a 12A so long as they are accompanied by an adult! In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view

lies with the accompanying adult.

12 Years 'accompanied'

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 DVD. 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.Is 15 really stronger than 12A?

Yes. 15 works are stronger than 12 or 12A rated works and could include any of the following:

•strong violence•frequent strong language (eg '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 DVD. 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 pick their own entertainment within the law, 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 DVD?

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

•frequent strong language (eg 'f***') and/or very strong language (eg ‘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

What does R18 mean?

The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting

sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas,

and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. ‘R18’ videos may not be supplied by

mail order.Who can buy or view an R18?

R18 works are sex works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation and which are only allowed

to be shown in specially licensed cinemas, or sold in licensed sex shops. They can only be seen by or sold to

adults.

Restricted 18