WHAT IS THE NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION SCHEME?
The National Classification Scheme is a cooperative arrangement between the Australian Government and the state and territory governments where the Classification Board classify films, computer games and certain publications.
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 must be 18 years or older. An older sibling or friend would not generally satisfy this requirement, whereas a grandparent, aunt or uncle may.
CHECK THE CLASSIFICATION [CTC]
The content has been assessed and approved for advertising unclassified films and computer games. Any advertising of unclassified films and games must display the CTC message on posters, trailers, on the internet, and any other types of advertising.
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. However, some G-classified films or computer games may contain content that is not of interest to children.
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 or parents and guardians. They may, for example, contain classifiable elements such as language and themes that are mild in impact. It is not recommended for viewing or playing by persons under 15 without guidance from parents or guardians.
MATURE [M]
The content is moderate in impact. Films and computer games classified M (Mature) contain content of a moderate impact and are recommended for teenagers aged 15 years and over. Children under 15 may legally access this material because it is an advisory category. However, M classified films and computer games may include classifiable elements such as violence and nudity of moderate impact that are not recommended for children under 15 years.
Parents and guardians may need to find out more about the film or computer game’s specific content, before deciding whether the material is suitable for their child.
MATURE ACCOMPANIED [MA15+]
The content is strong in impact. MA15+ classified material contains strong content and is legally restricted to persons 15 years and over. It may contain classifiable elements such as sex scenes and drug use that are strong in impact.
A person may be asked to show proof of their age before hiring or purchasing an MA15+ film or computer game. Cinema staff may also request that the person show proof of their age before allowing them to watch an MA15+ film. Children under the age of 15 may not legally watch, buy or hire MA15+ classified material unless they are in the company of a parent or adult guardian. Children under 15 who go to the cinema to see an MA15+ 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 movie ticket for the child. 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.
RESTRICTED [R18+]
The content is high in impact. R18+ material is restricted to adults. Such material may contain classifiable elements such as sex scenes and drug use that are high in impact. Some material classified R18+ may be offensive to sections of the adult community. A person may be asked for proof of their age before purchasing, hiring or viewing R18+ films and computer games at a retail store or cinema.