Classification Types:

U: This stands for universal, and is suitable for children aged 4 or over, yet this rating has some flaws as it is impossible to say what might scare a particular child at this age. Only mild curses are used such as 'hell' and 'darn' and their will be minimal sexual behaviour apart from stereotypical romances e.g. marrage. Violence will be mild and usually slapstick with no blood whatsoever, a fight scene may occur and emotional stress will be limited. In terms of 'fear', scary elements will always be counterbalanced with a reassuring element, such as a hero that saves the day.

PG: This stands for parental guidance and is suitable for viewing in general, preferably around 8 or older. Parents should consider if the film is upsetting or innapropreate. PG films aren't always made to suit a younger audience, but its lack of extreme violence ect makes it suitable for adults due to its complex plot line. PG films challenge issues like bullying or battles or arguments in a light-hearted way. Their will be very mild bad language such as 'shit' but only used in keeping with the context, I,e, not aggressively. Sex references will be more frequent than U, but comedy is used to lessen the impact. Violence will also be mild with some blood involved, their will also be a few more frightening scenes. In PG films, children may potentially copy behaviour seen as it may come across as fun.

12/12A: Films with a 12A and videos classified as a 12, contain material not suitable for children aged under 12, no one younger than 12 may see a 12A film and must be accompanied by an adult if they are 12. A 12 means that retailers cannot sell or rent an item unless the customer is 12+. 12A/12 films tend to have a darker, more unsettling tone and the language may be stronger with words like 'f***' used, language with sexual connotations is used more frequently. Sex may be used in 12/12A films but discreetly, comedy often lessens the impact of sex references. Moderate violence is allowed and occasional gory moments are allowed if they back up the context, fight scenes are more frequent and weapons are used more often. Drugs/smoking is fairly common however it cannot be glamorised.

15: Nobody under 15 may see a 15 film at a cinema or buy a 15 dvd. In a 15, their will be strong violence with emphasis on gory elements, frequent strong language, strong verbal sex references, sexual nudity, drug taking and frightening or intense scenes. Their is no upper limit to language use in a 15 and discriminatory/ racist/ sexist terms may be used. Their may be strong references to sex/sexual behaviour with crude references being frequent. Violence is strong and sexual violence may occur.15 films may potentially harm or influence the behaviour of teenagers, such as violence, weapons (the use in 15's is more realistic)and bad language.  Threat and horror can be used s long as their is not a direct or sustained focus

18: films rated 18 are for adults only as no one under 18 may see it at the cinema or buy/ rent. No precise theme iss prohibited at 18 as adults are free to make their own choices about what they watch, therefore some themes tackled may offend extremely. Their is no upper limit on strong language used, some even very strong. The usage of this language is frequent, violent, derogatory and aggressive. Their will often be strong discriminatory acts or speech. Sexual activity will be graphic and detailed, as their are no constraints on nudity. Sexual violence will be extremely explicit in an 18. Violence will be strong with particular emphasis on gore and physical pain, sadistic violence may also be portrayed in horror categories. Drug taking will be shown but must not promote drug misuse. All of these factors and themes often make 18 films the promotor of dangerous and criminal behaviour, especially amongst children and vulnerable adults.