U certificate definition

 U film classification 

What does U mean?

The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range.

What about works for children younger than four?

We rate films and videos aimed at very young viewers, such as Chuggington, Teletubbies or In the Night Garden, U. However, we give them special BBFCinsight stating they are ‘particularly suitable for pre-school children’. Films or DVDs with this BBFCinsight should raise no significant issues in terms of discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, theme or violence.

Will there be any bad language in a U film?

At U we only allow very mild bad language (eg ‘damn’ and ‘hell’). Occasionally, bad language such as ‘bloody’ or ‘bugger’ may be included, where justified by the context.

Do U works contain any sexual activity?

Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual behaviour (ie to ‘making love’). However, there will be no overt focus on sexual behaviour, language or innuendo.

At all categories heterosexual and homosexual sexual behaviour and activities are treated the same – so there could be occasional very mild references to gay or straight sex at U.

Is violence or horror permitted in a U film?

A U film may include brief fight scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger. However, moments of emotional stress or threat will be quickly resolved and the outcome will be reassuring.

There may be brief scary scenes and moments where the characters are placed in danger. As with violence, however, these scenes will be balanced by reassuring elements, such as comic interludes or music. ‘Baddie’ characters may carry or use weapons, but there will be no emphasis on these. Child or ‘hero’ characters are unlikely to use any kind of weapon outside, for example, historical settings. Potentially dangerous or imitable behaviour, particularly those which come across as safe or fun, will not be present.

What sorts of films are usually passed at U?

A U film can explore most themes, as long as the treatment is appropriate to a young audience. This doesn’t mean that all films rated U are children’s films – many adult films, especially older works, are rated U because they don’t contain any strong issues. A children’s work at U will generally contain positive messages about loyalty, honesty and friendship, particularly amongst children. The film or DVD will have a happy ending for the child and the overall tone should be one of reassurance.

Will there be references to drugs?

At U there will not normally be references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse unless there is a very clear anti-drugs or educational message which will be understood by a younger audience. Drugs references which are unlikely to register with young children and are brief or passing may occasionally be passed at U – for example a verbal reference to ‘the Opium wars’ in an historical documentary.