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.

R18

To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years.

The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification and the following content is not acceptable:

• any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959

• material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity (for example, paedophilia, incest or rape) which may include adults role-playing as non-adults

• the portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent (whether real or simulated). Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent

• the infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for moderate, non-abusive, consensual activity

• penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm

• any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable