12/12Afilm classification
Whatdoes the 12A symbol mean?
12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see thefilm unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Childrenyounger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult (egsomeone over the age of 18), who must watch the film with them.
What'sthe difference between 12 and 12A?
The 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays.12A is for films at the cinema only.
Isthere a lower age limit for a 12A film?
No. However, the BBFC considers the content of 12A ratedfilms to be suitable for children aged 12 and over, and we would not recommendtaking very young children to see them. Works classified at these categoriesmay upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will findunsuitable for them. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement,the film is suitable for that particular child. To help adults make thisdecision, we provide BBFCinsight for all films.
Howimportant is the tone of a film at 12 or 12A?
The overall tone of a film or DVD, and the way it makes theaudience feel may affect the classification. For example, a work which has avery dark or unsettling tone which could disturb the audience would be lesslikely to be passed 12A even if the individual issues in the film wereconsidered acceptable under the BBFC guidelines. Similarly, if a work isparticularly positive or reassuring this may stop it being pushed up a categoryfrom 12A to 15.
Willthere be uses of strong language in a 12 or 12A work?
The BBFC's Guidelines state that there may be stronglanguage (eg 'f***') at 12 or 12A, but it must be infrequent. The context ofthe strong language is important. Aggressive uses of strong language may resultin a film or DVD being placed at the 15 category. There is some allowance forpuns on strong language at this category. There may be moderate language (eguses of terms such as ‘bitch’ and ‘twat’ at 12 or 12A). Any discriminatorylanguage will not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatorylanguage (for example homophobic or racist terms) is unlikely to be passed at12 or 12A unless it is clearly condemned.
Do 12Afilms contain sex?
Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12 or 12A.Verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for youngteenagers. Comedy may lessen the impact of some moderate sex references orinnuendo but frequent crude sex references are unlikely to be accepted at thiscategory. There may be nudity in 12A films but sexual nudity should only bebrief and discreet. Heterosexual and homosexual sex and sex references aretreated the same.
Whatsort of violence can I expect in a 12 or 12A?
At 12A, moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwellon detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasionalgory moments may be permitted if they can be justified by their context (forexample brief sight of bloody injury in a medical drama). Action sequences andweapons may be present at 12 or 12A, and there may be long fight scenes orsimilar. Weapons which might be easily accessible to 12 year olds should not beglamorised in 12A and 12 works. Sexual violence, such as scenes of rape orassault, may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated at 12A. Suchscenes must also have a strong contextual justification.
Canhorror films be passed 12 or 12A?
Yes, some horror films are passed at this category. Moderatephysical and psychological threat is permitted at 12 or 12A as long asdisturbing sequences are not too frequent or sustained.
Whatabout other issues like imitable behaviour or drugs at 12 or 12A?
Dangerous behaviour (for example hanging, suicide andself-harming) may be present in 12 or 12A works but will not dwell on detailwhich could be copied or present those activities as pain or harm free. Discriminatorybehaviour should not be endorsed by the film as a whole. There may beinfrequent sight of drugs misuse in a 12 or a 12A but the portrayal should notbe glamorised or provide instructional details.
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