Patrons are advised to consider a film's rating, particularly when selecting a movie for a minor.

	General Parents should feel confident that children can watch material in this classification without supervision. Material classified G will not be harmful or disturbing to children.
	Parental guidance recommended for persons under 15 years The PG classification signals to parents that material in this category contains depictions or references which could be confusing or upsetting to children without adult guidance. Material classified PG will not be harmful or disturbing to children.
	Recommended for mature audiences 15 years and over The Mature category is advisory and not legally restricted. However, material in this category cannot be recommended for those under 15 years. Films classified M contain material that is considered to be potentially harmful or disturbing to those under 15 years. Depictions and references to classifiable elements may contain detail. However, impact will not be so strong as to require restriction.
	Restrictions apply to persons under the age of 15 The MA category is legally restricted. Children under fifteen will not be allowed to see MA films unless in the company of a parent or adult guardian. Material classified MA deals with issues or contains depictions which require a mature perspective. This is because the impact of individual elements or a combination of elements is considered to be harmful or disturbing to viewers under 15 years of age.
	Restricted to adults 18 years and over The R category is legally restricted to adults. Material which is given a restricted classification is unsuitable for those under 18 years of age. Material classified R deals with issues or contains depictions which require an adult perspective.

For more information on a particular title, please visit http://www.classification.gov.au/www/cob/find.nsf/Search?OpenForm and fill in the appropriate sections.

Understanding Classifications (Cinema) Queensland

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.

Who decides the classification?

Generally, all films that are publicly exhibited in Australia must be classified by the Classification Board, which is broadly representative of the Australian community.

M is an advisory classification

The content is moderate in impact. M films are not recommended for people aged under 15 as a level of maturity is required.

MA 15+ is a legally restricted classification

The content is strong in impact. MA 15+ films are not suitable for people aged under 15. A person aged under 15 cannot be admitted to an MA 15+ film unless accompanied by an adult. The requirements are not met if the adult buys a ticket, but does not accompany the child in the cinema for the duration of the film.

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

Any person 18 years or older is an adult and may accompany a person aged between 2 and under 15 to an MA 15+ film. That is, a child under 2 can be admitted to an MA 15+ film.

What is the difference between M and MA 15+?

There is no legal restriction on who can see an M film.  The content for M films is moderate and a mature perspective is required. M films are recommended for people aged 15 or older.

A person needs to be 15 or older to see an MA 15+ film.  The content is strong and unsuitable for people aged under 15.  However people under 15 can see an MA 15+ film if accompanied by their parent or an adult guardian.

R 18+ is a legally restricted classification

The content is high in impact. R 18+ films are not suitable for people aged under 18. People aged between 2 and under 18 cannot be admitted to an R 18+ film.  That is, a child under 2 can be admitted to an R 18+ film.

Proof of age at the cinema

Cinemas may verify a person’s age before they provide access to an MA 15+ or R 18+ film. Proof of age (preferably in the form of photo identification) may be requested of the person claiming to be 15 or 18, or of the parent or guardian.

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.

Further information

You can obtain further information about the National Classification Scheme at www.classification.gov.au