Lexi Webster
Australia has a classification system for films, television programs, video games, and publications, managed by the Australian Classification Board (ACB). The ACB rates content based on themes, violence, language, drug use, nudity, and sex, to help consumers make informed choices. Films rated G (General) are suitable for all audiences, while those rated PG (Parental Guidance) may require parental guidance for younger viewers. Films rated M (Mature) are not recommended for viewers under 15 years old, and those rated MA 15+ are legally restricted to individuals 15 years and older. R 18+ and X 18+ ratings indicate content suitable only for adults, with sexually explicit material being restricted to adults 18 years and older. Australia's rating system also allows for refusing classification, making certain media illegal for import or exhibition in the country. The rating of a film can impact its accessibility and reception, as seen in an incident where an R-rated film was accidentally played on an Australian airline flight, leading to complaints and a switch to a family-friendly option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Film classification system in Australia | Australian Classification Board (ACB) or CB |
| Year of establishment | 1917 |
| Types of content | Films, television programmes, video games, and publications |
| Film rating categories | G (General), PG (Parental Guidance), M (Mature), MA 15+, R 18+, X 18+ |
| Description of M rating | Not recommended for children under 15; may contain content that may confuse or upset younger viewers |
| Description of MA 15+ rating | Restricted to people aged 15 and above; may include sex scenes and drug use |
| Description of R 18+ rating | Restricted to adults 18 years and over; may include explicit sexual activity and extreme violence |
| Description of X 18+ rating | Restricted to adults 18 years and over; includes sexually explicit content and sexual intercourse |
| Refused Classification (RC) | Refers to films that cannot be sold, hired, advertised, or legally imported into Australia |
| Examples of banned films | Baise-moi, Ken Park, Pasolini's Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
''G' rating is for general audiences and is suitable for all ages
In Australia, a G rating means that a film or computer game is suitable for general audiences of all ages. The classification is determined by the Australian Classification Board and is one of the seven categories of the Australian film rating system. It is indicated by the letter G enclosed in a triangle and coloured green.
G-rated content is considered very mild and may include unrealistic themes that are kid-friendly and non-controversial. It can also include mildly scary scenes and very mild threats that are unlikely to disturb anyone except very young children. Violence in G-rated films must be unrealistic, animated, or have a very mild impact. Drug use is not permitted unless it is medicinal and used in a medicinal context. Drug references may be allowed if they are not detailed and are used in an educational context. Nudity in the form of animated buttocks or works of art in an educational context may also be included.
Some G-rated content may not be of interest to children, and parents or guardians may need to exercise discretion in deciding whether it is suitable for their children. While G-rated films and games do not have any legal restrictions, some G-rated content may be unsuitable or disturbing for very young children. Parental guidance is often recommended for children under a certain age, depending on the specific content of the film or game.
The G rating is the most permissive classification in the Australian rating system, followed by PG (Parental Guidance), which indicates that the content may be confusing or upsetting for young children and requires the guidance of a parent or guardian. The other classifications include M (Mature), MA 15+ (legally restricted to those aged 15 and above), R 18+ (legally restricted to adults aged 18 and above), and X 18+ (containing sexually explicit content and restricted to adults aged 18 and above). Films or games that are refused classification (RC) are prohibited from being sold, hired, advertised, or imported into Australia due to their highly restricted content.
Free Settlers' Leisure: Australian Pastimes and Pleasures
You may want to see also
Explore related products
'PG' rating is for mild themes and may require parental guidance
In Australia, films, computer games, and certain publications must undergo classification before they can be released to the public. This classification system is enforced by the Australian Classification Board (ACB), which is a government body that assesses and censors media content. The ratings are advisory categories, and there are no legal restrictions for viewing or playing content with a PG rating.
The PG rating, which stands for Parental Guidance, suggests that the content may include material that is confusing or upsetting for young viewers. It is not recommended for children under the age of 15 to watch such content without the guidance of a parent or guardian. The PG rating is typically given when the content is assessed to be mild in impact, with some mature themes that may be confusing or upsetting for younger audiences.
The mature themes in a PG-rated film are generally milder than those in a PG-13 or higher-rated film. These themes could include death, bereavement, bullying, disease, or disaster. There may also be some mild drug references, but the actual use of illegal drugs is not allowed. PG-rated films can also include tobacco use and mild profanity, although depictions of smoking are considered when assigning the rating to ensure child-friendly content.
Violence in PG-rated films is usually mild and non-detailed, with minimal blood and injuries. However, in specific contexts like comedy or fantasy, the violence may occasionally be stronger. Nudity is allowed in PG-rated films, but it must be brief and non-sexual, such as a brief view of partial nudity. Graphic sexual content is not permitted within the confines of a PG rating.
In summary, the PG rating in Australia indicates that the content may include mild themes or impact that may be confusing or upsetting for children under 15. Parental guidance is recommended to ensure that viewers are appropriately guided through the content. The rating serves as an advisory category to help parents and guardians make informed decisions about the suitability of the content for younger audiences.
Applying for a Medical Card in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![After Australia [Standard Large Print 16 Pt Edition]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71UKLnls2rL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
'M' rating is not recommended for children under 15
In Australia, films, computer games, and certain publications must undergo classification before they can be released. The Australian Classification Board (ACB) is the government body responsible for this process and has been in operation since 1917.
The M rating, which stands for 'Mature', is one of the seven classification categories for films and one of six for computer games. M-rated content is unrestricted and intended as an advisory category to help consumers make informed choices. However, it is not recommended for children under 15 due to the potential presence of moderate levels of classifiable elements, such as violence, sex, coarse language, and mature themes. These elements may be considered inappropriate or disturbing for younger audiences.
The M rating allows for a certain level of mature content, including moderate violence, sexual references, and infrequent nudity that is not explicit or gratuitous. It also permits limited use of strong language, such as "fk" and its derivatives, although aggressive usage is prohibited. Drug references and implied drug use are also allowed within this classification, provided they are not glamorised.
The M rating serves as a guide for parents and guardians to make informed decisions about the suitability of films and games for children under their care. While the content is deemed unsuitable for children under 15, the classification itself is not legally restricted, and ultimately, the decision rests with the parent or guardian.
It is worth noting that the classification system in Australia has evolved over time, with the introduction of new categories like MA 15+ to accommodate content that exceeds the boundaries of the M rating but does not reach the higher thresholds of more restrictive classifications.
American-Australian Dollar Exchange Rate: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
'MA 15+' rating is restricted to people aged 15 and above
In Australia, films, computer games, and certain publications must undergo classification before they can be released to the public. The Australian Classification Board (ACB) is the government body responsible for this process, which helps individuals make informed choices about the media they consume. While some ratings are advisory, the MA 15+ rating is a restricted category.
The MA 15+ rating restricts films and games to individuals aged 15 and above. This means that people under 15 cannot purchase, hire, or view MA 15+ content. If a person appears to be under the age of 25, they may be asked to show proof of age. Additionally, parents or adult guardians must accompany minors under 15 when purchasing or viewing MA 15+ content.
The MA 15+ rating is applied to films and games that contain mature themes and content that may have a strong impact on younger viewers. This includes elements such as sex scenes, drug use, strong violence, and offensive language. These elements are considered unsuitable for children under 15 years old.
It's important to note that the MA 15+ rating is not the most restrictive classification in Australia. The R 18+ and X 18+ ratings are legally restricted to adults aged 18 and above. These classifications are typically given to media containing explicit sexual content, nudity, and graphic violence. Additionally, some publications and films may be refused classification (RC), making them illegal to sell, exhibit, or import into Australia.
The Australian classification system aims to provide consumers with the information they need to make informed choices about the media they engage with. The MA 15+ rating serves as a clear indicator of the suitability of certain films and games for mature audiences aged 15 and above.
Barium Deposits in Australia: Where and How Much?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
'R 18+' rating is restricted to adults aged 18 and above
In Australia, films, computer games, and certain publications must undergo classification before they can be released to the public. This is done to help consumers make informed choices about the media they consume. The Australian Classification Board (ACB) is the government body responsible for this classification and censorship.
The R 18+ rating is one such classification, and it is restricted to adults aged 18 and above. Films with this rating may contain content that is not suitable for minors, such as sexually explicit activity, graphic nudity, and offensive language. An example of a film with this rating is "Daddio", which was played on a Qantas flight between Sydney and Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Due to technical issues, this R-rated film was played on every screen, leading to complaints and an eventual switch to a family-friendly movie.
The R 18+ rating is not limited to films but also includes video games. In 2010, there was opposition to the introduction of an R 18+ rating for video games by the former South Australian Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson. However, public opinion polls conducted by the Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, showed that around 80% of respondents supported the idea of an R 18+ classification for video games.
Publications can also receive an R 18+ equivalent rating, such as the French film "Baise-moi", which was initially classified as R 18+ in 2000 before being banned in 2002 due to exploitative and offensive depictions of sexual violence and extreme violence.
It is worth noting that the R 18+ rating in Australia is not equivalent to the R rating in the US. The US R rating is often equivalent to the M (Mature) rating in Australia, which is recommended for viewers aged 15 and above.
Exploring Australia: Qatar Airways' Reach Down Under
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The movie Australia is rated MA 15+ in Australia. This means it is legally restricted to people aged 15 and over.
MA 15+ films can contain content such as sex scenes and drug use that may 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.
Some examples of films that are rated R in the US but M in Australia include Blade Runner, The Untouchables, The Tenant, Marathon Man, and The French Connection.
![After [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81UlcNU+9eL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
