Film rating systems Facts for Kids

A film rating system helps parents and guardians decide if a movie is right for their children. These systems usually suggest an age group for each film, based on its content. This way, kids can watch movies that are fun and suitable for their age, and avoid anything that might be too scary, confusing, or grown-up.

How Film Ratings Work
Film Rating Systems Around the World
Why Film Ratings Are Important
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How Film Ratings Work

Film rating systems look at different parts of a movie to decide its rating. They check for things like:

Language: Are there any strong words?
Violence: Is there fighting or scary scenes?
Scary moments: Are there parts that might frighten younger viewers?
Themes: Does the movie deal with complex or adult topics?

After reviewing these things, a movie gets a rating. This rating is a guide, not a strict rule, but it helps families make good choices about what to watch together.

Film Rating Systems Around the World

Many countries have their own ways of rating movies. While the names and exact age groups might be different, they all aim to do the same thing: help people choose appropriate films.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom uses the system from the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). They give movies ratings like:

U: Universal – suitable for everyone.
PG: Parental Guidance – some scenes might not be suitable for very young children, so parents should watch with them.
12A: Suitable for children aged 12 and over. Younger children can watch if an adult is with them.
15: Only suitable for people aged 15 and over.
18: Only suitable for adults aged 18 and over.

United States

In the United States, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) runs the film rating system. Their ratings include:

G: General Audiences – suitable for all ages.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested – some material may not be suitable for young children.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned – some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers.
R: Restricted – under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
NC-17: No One 17 and Under Admitted – only for adults.

Australia

Australia uses the Australian Classification Board film rating system. Some of their common ratings are:

G: General – suitable for all ages.
PG: Parental Guidance – parental guidance recommended for younger viewers.
M: Mature – recommended for mature audiences, but not legally restricted.
MA15+: Mature Accompanied – restricted to people 15 years and over, unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
R18+: Restricted – restricted to people 18 years and over.

Why Film Ratings Are Important

Film ratings are a helpful tool for families. They allow parents to understand a movie's content before their children watch it. This helps protect kids from seeing things that might be too intense, scary, or confusing for their age. It also helps them enjoy movies that are just right for them!