Research into Certificate: 12 and 12A

Research into Certificate: 12 and 12A

12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Children younger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult (eg someone over the age of 18), who must watch the film with them.

There is no age limit on a 12A film. However, the BBFC considers the content of 12A rated films to be suitable for children aged 12 and over, and the bbfc would not recommend taking very young children to see them. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.

An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. To help adults make this decision, we provide BBFC insight for all films.

Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12 or 12A. Verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Comedy may lessen the impact of some moderate sex references or innuendo but frequent crude sex references are unlikely to be accepted at this category. There may be nudity in 12A films but sexual nudity should only be brief and discreet.

Heterosexual and homosexual sex and sex references are treated the same.

Reference from BBFC.