Film Certification

18 works are for adults and can contain strong issues such as very strong violence, frequent strong language and/or very strong language, strong portrayals of sexual activity, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, strong blood and gore, real sex (in some circumstances) and discriminatory language and behaviour.

No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds. There may be strong violence, frequent strong language, 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 and drug taking.

There may be moderate and strong language but it must be infrequent. Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed and there may be nudity, but sexual nudity should only be brief and discreet. Dangerous behaviour may be present in 12 or 12A works but will not dwell on detail.

A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. In a PG work, illegal or antisocial behaviour, such as bullying, will not be condoned or seen to go unchallenged. Smoking and drinking will not be promoted or glamorised and if child characters are seen smoking or drinking, there should be a clear message that this is bad. There might be innocuous or passing references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse, but no strong focus on this. Mild bad language and references to sex are acceptable if the activity talked about or shown is implied and lacking in detail.

Very mild bad language and no overt focus on sexual behaviour, or innuendo. May include brief fight/scary scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger but these scenes will be balanced by reassuring elements, such as comic interludes or music.