In the UK, 12A is a film and video age rating meaning the content is not suitable for children under 12, but those under 12 can see it in a cinema if accompanied by an adult (aged 18 or over). It signifies material like moderate violence, bad language, or sex references, requiring parental guidance for younger viewers, while a '12' rating for home video is a strict age gate, no exceptions, notes BBFC and Twinkl.
Yes, a 7-year-old can watch a 12A film in a cinema if accompanied by an adult, but it's not recommended unless the adult checks the specific content first, as 12A means it's not generally suitable for under-12s and can contain moderate bad language, violence, or scary scenes; parents should use their judgment and check BBFC Insight or similar guides to see if it's right for their child.
In a 12A rated film, violence, sex and bad language are more likely to appear and, although they will be slightly less mild than in a PG rated film, the films shouldn't glorify the behaviour of the characters in an inappropriate way or be shown in a way that encourages imitation.
So why the change? According to the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), these films were often classified PG at the time because the leap to the next category, 15, was too great. Conversely, some films clearly aimed at gore-happy children ended up as 15s (Gremlins, for instance, which is now a 12A).
Strong language ('f**k') is allowed infrequently at 12A/12, though the BBFC is more lenient on the definition of 'infrequent' than the MPA is; for example, the film About Time was permitted with five uses of the F-word to receive a 12A/12 rating for 'infrequent strong language, moderate sex references'.
"Crap" is generally considered mild profanity or vulgar slang, not a true "bad word" like a stronger expletive, but it's inappropriate for formal or professional settings and depends heavily on context, audience, and intent; it can express frustration (e.g., "This crap isn't working") but is best avoided around bosses, teachers, or elders, while being fine with friends.
What does the 12A/12 age rating mean? Cinema content classified 12A and video content classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may be permitted to attend a 12A cinema screening unless they are accompanied by an adult.
G - Similar to the UK's 'U' rating, G means 'General Audiences. All Ages Admitted. ' PG - The US PG rating means the same as in the UK: Parental Guidance Suggested.
A television program that is rated TV-MA in the United States by the TV Parental Guidelines signifies content intended for mature audiences. It is equivalent to the MPA's R rating for movies, and the ESRB's M rating for video games.
Yes, PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) can be okay for a 7-year-old, but it depends heavily on the specific movie's content and your child's temperament, as PG means some material might not be suitable and parents should decide, with some movies containing mild violence, language, or scary themes that could upset sensitive children. While PG generally means "suitable for most ages," it's crucial for parents to know their own child's maturity level and whether they'll be watching with them or need parental controls for unsupervised viewing.
The BBFC has given this a 12A rating, with warnings for moderate threat, violence, and language. Personally, I wouldn't recommend it for children under 5—some scenes are genuinely scary. However, older kids, teens, and adults who love action-packed adventure will definitely enjoy it.
Although the UK cuts were fully restored by the BBFC in 2004 following the certificate upgrade to a '12' some early issues of the DVD featured the cut version and a lack of commentary, despite the latter being listed on the menus.
Our staff are legally required to ask for proof that you are old enough to watch an age restricted film if they have any doubt as to your age.
In the MPAA rating system, R stands for “Restricted.” It means the film may include strong language, intense violence, sexual content, or other mature themes. Viewers under 17 (or 18 in some states) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) regulates films for cinema and video works. The BBFC is an independent, non-governmental body funded through the fees it charges to those who submit films and video works for classification.
Rated G: Suggested for general audiences. Rated M: Suggested for mature audiences – Parental discretion advised. Rated R: Restricted – Persons under 16 not admitted, unless accompanied by parent or adult guardian. Rated X: Persons under 16 not admitted.
It is important to note that the G rating is not a certificate of approval nor does it signify a children's film. Some language may go beyond polite conversation but the words used are common everyday expressions. No stronger words are present in G-rated films. The violence is at a minimum.
Not recommended for under 15 without Parental Guidance. A PG rating means Parental Guidance under 15. You may need to take care with these films and games, and maybe explain some of the content to your kids.
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The 12A requires an adult to accompany any child under 12 seeing a 12A film at the cinema. This is enforced by cinema staff and a cinema may lose its license if adult accompaniment is not enforced for children under 12 admitted to a 12A film.
So I'd recommend this for 9 and up BUT if you have a particularly bright and precocious almost 6 year old they'd probably be fine with it too. To put it in perspective, my kids have also recently seen all the Jurassic Park movies, Men in Black (which they didn't love and found a bit scary), and Back to the Future.
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