Classification Ratings

Classifications help you decide which films to choose. Classifications tell you about the impact of the content and the most suitable audience for a film.

G

General (G)

The content is very mild in impact

The G classification is suitable for everyone. G products may contain classifiable elements such as language and themes that are very mild in impact.
PG

Parental Guidance (PG)

The content is mild in impact
 
The impact of PG (Parental Guidance) classified films and computer games should be no higher than mild, but they may contain content that children find confusing or upsetting and may require the guidance of parents, teachers or guardians. For example, they may contain classifiable elements such as language and themes that are mild in impact.

PG-rated content is not recommended for viewing by people under the age of 15 without guidance from parents, teachers or guardians.

M

Mature (M)

The content is moderate in impact
 
Films and computer games classified M (Mature) contain content of a moderate impact. M-rated films and computer games are not recommended for children under the age of 15. They include portrayals of elements such as violence and themes that require a mature outlook. 

However, children under the age of 15 may legally access this material as the classification rating is an advisory category.

Parents, teachers and guardians may need to find out more about the specific content before deciding whether the material is suitable for children in their care.

 

 

MA15+

Mature Accompanied (MA 15+)

The content is strong in impact

 

MA 15+ rated material contains strong content and is legally restricted to people over the age of 15. It contains elements such as sex scenes and drug use that could have a strong impact on the viewer.

A person may be asked to show proof of their age before purchasing or viewing an MA 15+ film or computer game.

Children under the age of 15 may not legally watch, buy or hire MA 15+ rated material unless they are in the company of a parent, or an adult guardian. Children under the age of 15 who go to the cinema to see an MA 15+ film must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian for the duration of the film. The parent or adult guardian must also purchase the ticket for the child. The guardian must be over the age of 18 and must be exercising parental control over the child.

 

R18+

Restricted (R 18+)

The content is high in impact

 

R 18+ material is restricted to adults as it contains content that is considered high in impact for viewers. This includes content that may be offensive to sections of the adult community. A person may be asked for proof of their age before purchasing, hiring or viewing R 18+ films and computer games at a retail store or cinema.

R18+

Check the Classification (CTC)

'Check the Classification' (CTC) message for unclassified films and computer games

 

The film or computer game has been assessed and approved for advertising. You should check the classification closer to the release date.

Advertising relating to unclassified films and games must display the CTC message - this includes posters, trailers, internet posts, and any other type of advertising. Once the content is classified, the classification marking should replace the CTC marking on all advertising material.

Consumer advice?

Consumer advice helps you to make informed choices about what you read, view and play. It provides information about the strongest content (content that may scare, upset or cause concern) in a film or computer game. Consumer advice usually includes references to the classifiable elements which are: themes, violence, sex, language, drug use and nudity.

Who qualifies as a ‘guardian’ for a person under 15?

The ‘guardian’ must be an adult exercising ‘parental control’ over the person under 15 years of age. The guardian needs to be 18 years or older. An older sibling or friend would not generally satisfy this requirement, whereas a grandparent, aunt or uncle may.

When can a cinema refuse entry to an MA 15+ or R 18+ film?

Cinemas are required to abide by the MA 15+ and R 18+ restrictions. This means refusing entry to an MA 15+ film to any person who reasonably appears to be under 15 and who is not accompanied by his or her parent or a guardian. Entry to an R 18+ film can be refused to any person who reasonably appears to be under 18.

Consumer advice

Additional information about the film, called ‘consumer advice’ gives you an indication of specific content of a film (examples are violence, language, sex). Generally the strongest content is indicated in the consumer advice.

Copyright and piracy

Film theft has an enormous impact on filmmakers, cinema staff and consumers everywhere. You should be alert to the unauthorised use of camcorders and mobile phones in cinemas. Selling or distributing pirated product is a criminal offence.

https://www.classification.gov.au/

You can obtain further information about the National Classification Scheme at www.classification.gov.au
Or contact: Classification Operations Branch Locked Bag 3 HAYMARKET NSW 1240
Phone: 02 9289 7100 Fax: 02 9289 7101 E-mail: enquiries@classification.gov.au
Copyright and Classification Policy Branch Phone: 02 6141 3416 www.ag.gov.au

Restricted (R 18+)

The content is high in impact

R 18+ material is restricted to adults as it contains content that is considered high in impact for viewers. This includes content that may be offensive to sections of the adult community. A person may be asked for proof of their age before purchasing, hiring or viewing R 18+ films and computer games at a retail store or cinema.

Restricted (R 18+)

The content is high in impact

R 18+ material is restricted to adults as it contains content that is considered high in impact for viewers. This includes content that may be offensive to sections of the adult community. A person may be asked for proof of their age before purchasing, hiring or viewing R 18+ films and computer games at a retail store or cinema.

Restricted (R 18+)

The content is high in impact

R 18+ material is restricted to adults as it contains content that is considered high in impact for viewers. This includes content that may be offensive to sections of the adult community. A person may be asked for proof of their age before purchasing, hiring or viewing R 18+ films and computer games at a retail store or cinema.