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Better guidance with new film classification?

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) have launched a new 12A classification for cinemas. The A stands for Advisory or Accompanied and means that a child younger than 12 could see the film at the cinema if accompanied by an adult over 18 years old who watches the film with the child.

This new classification replaces the 12 certificate for cinema, but the 12 certification continues to apply to videos so a child under 12 can not buy or rent the video. 12A rated films are not suitable for very young children. The decision on which children can watch the film rests with the parents or accompanying adult, however cinema staff can refuse entry to children who they feel are too young.

Existing 12 rated films, currently in cinemas will be treated as 12A. New publicity material will show the certification as 12A. There may also be extra information which explains why the film was classified (e.g. bad language, sex, violence) so that an adult can decide whether the film is suitable for the children they accompany.