Age Certificate

Age Certificates

Age certificates are important so they can set a guideline for the ages appropriate to watch it so it does not manipulate a child's mind. There are many different aspects which need to be taken into account when making a film in a particular classification. Some of these points are, discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour language, nudity, sex, violence and video games.

  

The lowest certificate there is is a 'U'. This film should be sutible for very young children of the ages 4 and over. The film should include none of the different aspects above other than if for example discrination was to be used, it would only be acceptable if it was cleary being shown as wrong. It should be sutible for a small child to be able to view the film alone without any parental supervision. The films should be set within a positive moral and must not manipulate a childs mind, however it is impossible to be able to know what could either upset or anger an individual child.


The next certificate is a 'PG' this means that the film may be sutible for the child to watch alone over the age of 8 however a parent may want to look at the contents of the film beforehand to decide weather they feel comfortable with their child viewing it. There can be only very mild bad language, drugs or drug abuse can only be used if portraying an anti- drug message. moderate violence may be used however only acceptable if it used for an educational reason for example history or may be used for comedy refrences.

The next two are '12' and '12a'. They both use the same catergoric critera however the only difference is a child below the age of 12 can view a '12a' film as long as an adult is accompanying them and has said they feel that the contents of the film is sutible for a younger child, this catergory only exists in the cinema. A '12' film means that no one below the age of 12 can view the film with or without the permission of an adult or parent, as the contents of the film is seen as unsuitable for any one below the age of 12.

The next certificate is a '15'. This certificate means that in a cinema no one below the age of 15 can view the film or any one below 15 will be able to buy or rent a film with this certificate. The different aspects become much more flexible and the contents of the film will become more graphic. Drugs are allowed to be shown taken however the film must not promote them or encourage them in any way. It must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. Strong threat and mennace is allowed however it may not be sexualised. Any dangerous behaviour is allowed but must not focus on any parts which may be copied for example hanging, suicide or self harming. Any weapons that are easily accesable must not be promoted or focused on.  There may be frequent use of strong lanuage however if it is constantly repeated or if the language is portraying aggresivness then it is likely to be seen as unacceptable. There may be sexual scenes as long as they dont go into to much detail.

The final certificates are '18' and 'R18' there is very little difference between the two. Adult should be able to choose their own entertainment and there is not much that is unnaceptable however there may be some exceptions which could be where the material is in breach of the criminal law or has been created through the commision of a criminal offence. Where the film can bring a risk of harm to an indiviual or society. Where there are more explicit images which cannot be justified by the context.
'R18' should only be shown in specially lisenced cinemas or supplyed only in lisenced sex shops to adults over the age of 18 only.

Every film is specifically chosen age certificates due to the contents of the film. For example the 'Saw' films are rated at an 18, this is because the contents contains violence and gory scenes and is very disturbing for the audience. Whereas the 'Paranormal activity films' are rated at a 15 because they are still not sutible for