Differences Between Ratings

U > PG
- Discrimination may be allowed in an educational/historical context
- Infrequent drug references are allowed where an anti-drugs message is clear
- Unprolonged horror scenes are acceptable. Fantasy settings are mitigating.
- Where treated appropriately, or when clearly condoning behaviour, more adult themes are acceptable
- Violence is permitted but must lack detail and be justified by context.
- No imitable behaviour
- Mild bad language and very occasional natural nudity is acceptable


PG > 12A
- Where condemned, discriminatory behaviour or language can be more aggressive
- Infrequent and unglamorized drug misuse can be portrayed
- Prolonged horror is acceptable, as long as it is infrequent
- Mature themes are acceptable
- Violence can be stronger, but not dwelled upon. Sexual violence (with strong contextual justification) may be referred to.
- No imitable behaviour
- Discreetly portrayed sexual activity is acceptable, as well as brief and discreet nudity (including nudity in a sexual context)
- Moderate bad language is acceptable (eg. infrequent use of the "f" word)

12A > 15
- Discrimination is allowed, as long as it is not endorsed
- Drug use can be more frequent (although it still must not be glamorized, encouraged, or shown in detail - imitable behaviour)
- Stronger threat/horror is acceptable (as long as it is not sexualized/sadistic)
- No theme is prohibited, as long as it is treated in a way that is suitable for 15 year olds
- Frequent violence is acceptable where it does not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury (sexual violence can be strongly referred to, but any portrayal must be discreet and justified strongly by context)
- Nudity in a sexual context is permitted although it cannot be dwelled upon
- Strong language is acceptable, (for example the "c" word) but must be justified by context

15 > 18
- Viewers are now adult and so are at liberty to choose what they watch
- Illegal drug use is not acceptable
- Clear images of real sex are still not permitted
- No criminal laws may be breached, and there must be no footage that causes risk of harm to society (particularly in relation to Sexualized Violence)

18 > R18
- No criminal laws may be breached
R18s are only for sale in licensed sex shops and may only be viewed in licensed cinemas.They normally involve explicit works of consenting sex, and sexual fetish material.