12 Certificate

Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be
endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive
discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely
to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.
Drugs
Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should
not be glamorised or give instructional detail.
Horror
Moderate physical and psychological threat may be
permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not
frequent or sustained.
Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and
self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be
copied, or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible
weapons should not be glam orised.
Language
Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong
language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.
Nudity
Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief
and discreet.
Sex
Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed.
Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for
young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely
to be acceptable.
Theme
Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must
be suitable for young t eenagers.
Violence
Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on
detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood,
but occasional gory moments may be permitted if
justified by the context.
Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and
discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual
justification.
12A/12 –
Suitable for 12 years and over
Exactly the same criteria are
used to classify works at ‘12A’
and ‘12’. These categories are
awarded where the material is
suitable, in general, only for
those aged 12 and over. Works
classified at these categories
may upset children under 12
or contain material which many
parents will find unsuitable
for them.
The ‘12A’ category exists only
for cinema films. No one younger
than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a
cinema unless accompanied by
an adult, and films classified
‘12A’ are not recommended for a
child below 12. An adult may take
a younger child if, in their
judgement, the fil m is suitable
for that particular child. In such
circumstances, responsibility for
allowing a child under 12 to view
lies with the accompanying adult.
The ‘12’ category exists only for
video works. No one younger than
12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated
video work.