British Board of Film Classification

Suitable for all
It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

Discrimination
No discriminatory language or behaviour unless clearly disapproved of.
Drugs
No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless they are infrequent and innocuous, or there is a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable for young children.
Horror
Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause undue anxiety to young children. The outcome should be reassuring.
Imitable behaviour
No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons.
Language
Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.
Nudity
Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex
Mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) and references only (for example, to ‘making love’).
Theme
While problematic themes may be present, their treatment must be sensitive and appropriate for young children.
Violence
Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only.

Suitable for 12 years and over
Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.

Suitable for 12 years and over

The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult

Suitable only for adults

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