The ‘U’ Category
Mary Poppins
The ‘U’ symbol stands for ‘Universal’. A ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range.
What about works for children younger than four?
DVD works aimed at very young viewers, such as 'Chuggington', 'Teletubbies' or 'In The Night Garden', are classified ‘U’ but carry Consumer Advice which states ‘Particularly suitable for pre-school children’. They should raise no significant issues in terms of discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, theme or violence.
Will there be any bad language in a ‘U’ film?
At the ‘U’ category, we only allow very mild bad language (eg ‘damn’ and ‘hell’). Occasionally, bad language such as ‘bloody’ or ‘bugger’ may be included, where justified by the context.
Do ‘U’ works contain any sexual activity?
Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual behaviour (ie to ‘making love’). However, there will be no overt focus on sexual behaviour, language or innuendo.
Is violence or horror permitted in a ‘U’ film?
A ‘U’ film may include brief fight scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger. However, moments of emotional stress or threat will be quickly resolved and the outcome will be reassuring.
Toy Story 2
There may be brief scary scenes and moments where the characters are placed in danger. As with violence, however, these scenes will be balanced by reassuring elements, such as comic interludes or music.
‘Baddie’ characters may carry or use weapons, but there will be no emphasis on these. Child or ‘hero’ characters are unlikely to use any kind of weapon. Potentially dangerous or imitable behaviour, particularly those which come across as safe or fun, will not be present.
What sorts of films are usually passed at ‘U’?
A ‘U’ film can explore most themes, as long as the treatment is appropriate to a young audience.
A children’s work at ‘U’ will generally contain positive messages about loyalty, honesty and friendship, particularly amongst children. The film or DVD will have a happy ending for the child and the overall tone should be one of reassurance.
‘U’ films are unlikely to contain discriminatory language or behaviour unless it is clearly disapproved of.
Will there be references to drugs?
At ‘U' there will not normally be references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse unless there is a very clear anti-drugs or educational message which will be understood by a younger audience.
Drugs references which are unlikely to register with young children and are brief or passing may occasionally be passed at ‘U’ – for example a verbal reference to ‘the Opium wars’ in an historical documentary.
How can I find out more?
Shrek The Third
In order to provide adults with more information about a work, the BBFC produces 'Consumer Advice' for each film. This line of additional information explains why the film received its certificate. Was it because of the violence, bad language or another reason? The Consumer Advice appears on posters, in TV advertisements and alongside the billings in local newspapers. For further information about Consumer Advice, click here.
Further information for parents is available on the Parents website PBBFC. A film search will provide comprehensive information on exactly why a film or DVD has been given a particular category. All the issues are discussed in detail and parents can use this information to make informed decisions when choosing viewing material for their children.
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