Ratings: The Differences

U - PG

• The themes at PG can be a little more mature, but the nature of how they are presented is still very mild.
• Sex and Relationships can be more acknowledged at PG however its treatment is still discreet and infrequent.
• At PG mild drug use/reference is more acceptable but still must carry an anti-drug message overall.
• Discriminatory language can be used at PG however its use must have an educational or historical context.
• Violence can be stronger at PG, but still will not dwell on any detail and must be justified by it's context.
• At PG horror can be more frightening but still cannot be prolonged and fantasy is treated less strictly.

PG - 12A

• Discriminatory language/behaviour can progress from PG to 12A however still must not be endorsed by the work as a whole.
• Drug mis-use can be shown at 12A [it cannot at PG]  but must be infrequent and not glamorised.
• Moderate physical and psychological threat may be premitted at 12A but cannot be sustained.
• Imitable behaviour can be shown at 12A.
• Strong glamorisation of accesible weapons is not permitted.
• Moderate language is allowed at 12A - compared to mild infrequent language in a PG.
• Nudity in a sexual content is allowed in a 12A but must be brief and discreet.
• Violence is stronger at 12A but still must not dwell on detail.

12A/12 - 15

• At 15, drug references and taking may be shown, but the film must not promote drugs overall.
• Horror can be stronger and more menacing at 15 then at 12A.
• Glamorisation of easily accessible weapons is not acceptable.
• Language can become more frequent and stronger at 15 depending on its context.
• Nudity is more acceptable at 15 compared to a 12A, and can be shown in a sexual context but still not with the inclusion of strong detail.
• Strong verbal references to sexual behaviour is allowed at 15.

15 - 18 

• At 18, the viewer is considered an adult and so is free to choose their entertainment.
• Risk of harm to society is not acceptable.
• Sexualised violence is allowed at 18.
• The inclusion of sexual relationships is much more acceptable at 18 then at 15. 
• Clear images of real sex is not permitted at 18.
  

18 - R18

• Both 18 and R18 rated works may not breach any criminal laws.
• Sexually abusive behaviour is not acceptable. 
• At R18, real sex is allowed unlike at 18.