Film classifications are used to determine and categorize films under certain age bands. this is usually done to try and stop younger viewers seeing movies that can be very distressing or disturbing to them, these film age classifications are also used to tell viewers if a film is or isn't appropriate for people of there age group.
A U rated film is a piece that is suitable for ages four and over. these films should be set within a positive framework and offer some sort of counter-balance to any violence, threat or horror if there is any at all. Things like references to drugs must be infrequent and innocuous, or it must have either an educational or anti-drug message suitable to young children. the also goes for any other kind of adult behaviour, the only time this would be aloud is if its done on a very minor scale.
General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around the years of eight or older. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children. References to things like drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message. As for what kind of language can be used, Mildly bad language only. Aggressive or very frequent use of mild bad language may result in a work being passed at a higher category.
Films classified as 12A can contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child. Things like violence can be used is moderation and only mild violence as in it should not go into detailed violence.
Films classified as a 12A may contain material that is similar to films rated as 12A, however children 12 and over can see the film without being accompanied by an adult.
Films or other media that is rated 15 are alot more stricter on who can and cannot see it as movies at these can start going on the more mature side of media, it can feature violence but not on a serious scale and minor bad language as well as any 15 cannot be sold to anyone who is under the age of 15.
18 rated movies are only for adults aged 18 and over as they are allowed to touch onto very mature or sensitive subjects which would be destressing more younger viewers.
the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence
where the material or treatment appears to us to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society. For example, the detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sadistic or sexual violence which make this violence look appealing; reinforce the suggestion that victims enjoy sexual violence; or which invite viewer complicity in sexual violence or other harmful violent activities
the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence
where the material or treatment appears to us to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society. For example, the detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sadistic or sexual violence which make this violence look appealing; reinforce the suggestion that victims enjoy sexual violence; or which invite viewer complicity in sexual violence or other harmful violent activities