Broadly speaking, current British classifications are similar to US ones - G equals U, PG equals PG, PG-13 equals 12A (barring a one-year age difference) and NC-17 equals 18 (though the British version doesn't have the cultural problems discussed above).
According to the Motion Picture Association, the PG-13 label means the movie is fine for kids over the age of thirteen. It may not, however, be appropriate for children under thirteen because of language, violence, nudity, and other mature content. But some parents say many PG-13 movies make them uncomfortable.
Mature (M) - Not recommended for children under 15.
Equivalent to PG-13 for movies, T for video games and low TV-14 for television.
Anyone can go see a PG-13 movie. For R if you're under 17 you must be with an adult, PG-13 has no restrictions. You must be with an adult if you're under 13 and want to see a PG-13.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned, Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13. This rating is a stronger caution for parents that content included may not be appropriate for children under 13 (pre-teen ages). This may include stronger language, extended violence or sexual situations and drug-use.
While The Motion Picture Association of America recommends that children under 13 do not see PG-13 movies, there is no magical age. This is going to be different for every family and maybe even every child.
A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around 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.
Is there a lower age limit for a 12A film? No. However, the BBFC considers the content of 12A rated films to be suitable for children aged 12 and over, and we would not recommend taking very young children to see them.
G and PG movies mean that anyone can go into them. PG-13 movies, only people that are over 13 or have an adult with them can go see it. R movies, only people over 17 or have an adult with them can go see it.
(3) PG-13 - Parents Strongly Cautioned. Some Material May Be Inappropriate For Children Under 13. A PG-13 rating is a sterner warning by the Rating Board to parents to determine whether their children under age 13 should view the motion picture, as some material might not be suited for them.
Profanity may be present in PG rated films, and use of one of the harsher "sexually-derived words" as an expletive will initially incur at least a PG-13 rating. More than one occurrence will usually incur an R rating as will the usage of such an expletive in a sexual context.
Parental Guidance (PG)
PG-rated content is not recommended for viewing by people under the age of 15 without guidance from parents, teachers or guardians.
Parental Strongly Cautioned: PG-13 - Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Parents are urged to be cautious. Some material may not be appropriate for pre-teenagers.
PG: PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED. Some material may not be suitable for children. PG-13: PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
A parent does not need to accompany a child to a PG-13 rated movie. Only R-rated movies require children to be accompanied by their parents.
"Barbie" earned a PG-13 rating from the Motion Picture Association for "suggestive references" and "brief language." As for suggestive references, one of the film's teaser trailers shows a scene on the beach where Gosling's Ken says, “I would beach you off.”
Yes. Unless your kids are particularly immature for their age, 11 is plenty old enough to watch PG-13 movies. The rating system overestimates the age range for movies because they want to avoid complaints. Most kids can watch PG-13 movies around 9 or 10.
14A – 14 Accompaniment – Persons under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
In most cases, PG-13 is OK, but students have to bring in a signed permission slip to show an R film is OK with their parents. In some schools, it would not be allowed even with permission. Most schools say no to R unless it's some sort of document where you learn something. And a lot would as for parent permission.
We always follow national rules about film ratings, and if you're lucky enough to be looking younger than the film's rating, we'll have to ask to see some ID. Another reason you could be asked for ID is to make sure you're getting the right ticket for your film.
G: Appropriate for people of all ages. PG 12: Parental guidance is required for children under the age of 12. R 15+: People aged 15 and above will be admitted. ID is required to confirm your age.
Once your toddler turns 2, up to one hour of screen time use is OK, but parents should watch with their children to help them understand what they are viewing. So, given that movies range from an hour and a half to two hours long, they should be the rare exception, not the rule, on your toddler's list of activities.
Responsibility for allowing under-12s to view lies with the accompanying or supervising adult. (15) 15 No-one younger than 15 may see a '15' film in a cinema.
U – Universal, suitable for all
However, U films should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. If there is any violence, threat or horror in a U film, it should be over quickly and the film should tell children that everything will turn out okay.
This program contains some material that parents would find unsuitable for children under 14 years of age. Parents are strongly urged to exercise greater care in monitoring this program and are cautioned against letting children under the age of 14 watch unattended.