BBFC - U Rating

Universal – Suitable for all

It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

If a work is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice.

For a film to be classfied U rating it has to comply with these guidelines: 

• No discriminatory language or behaviour unless clearly disapproved of.
• No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless they are infrequent and innocuous, or there is a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable for young children.
• Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause undue anxiety to young children. The outcome should be reassuring.
• No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons.
• Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.
• Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.
• Mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) and references only (for example, to ‘making love’).
• While problematic themes may be present, their treatment must be sensitive and appropriate for young children.
• Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only.