Sex is a common content issue that most ratings authorities deal with. Sexually suggestive material also qualifies under the sex content issue.
Films[]
ACB[]
Films containing explicit sexual images (actual sexual activity between consenting adults) are given the special restricted X 18+ classification. Some films with actual sexual activity were able to get the lower R 18+ classification, in spite of the general rule not permitting actual sex at R 18+.
BBFC[]
All ratings vary sexual content.
- The BBFC accepts only mild sexual behaviour such as kissing and dating at U.
- At PG, there may be infrequent, mild and implied sexual activity. There may also be mild sex references and innuendo.
- At 12A/12, sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. There may also be moderate sex references, but generally not both frequent and crude.
- At 15, sexual activity may be portrayed, usually without strong details. There may also be strong sex references, but generally not both frequent and crude. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal are not allowed here.
- Sex works with simulated sex, and educative sexual works with unsimulated sex provided it only shows the minimum necessary, are permissible at 18.
- Works containing clear images of real sex are confined to the adult R18 category, but some non-sex works with real sexual activity have passed at 18.
- Works containing the following are rejected classification:
- Works judged to be illegal under the Obscene Publications Act 1959 and Protection of Children Act 1978.
- Material deemed likely to encourage an interest in "sexually abusive" activity, which can include adults role-playing as non adults.
- Depiction of non-consensual acts (including role-play).
- Use of bondage which prevents indicating a withdrawal of consent (e.g., gags).
- Infliction of pain which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or simulated.
- Penetration by any object deemed likely to cause physical harm.
- Depiction of any sexual threats, coercion, humiliation or abuse, even if consensual, unless clearly depicted as a consensual role-playing game.
Canada[]
In most jurisdictions, films with explicit sexuality are either rated R or A. In Quebec, this corresponds to the 18+ rating with the "Explicit sexuality" mark.
FSK[]
Simulated sex works generally get passed at FSK 16, while FSK 18 can contain actual sex/hardcore pornography.
FPB[]
Sexual conduct is not permitted below 10-12PG, however lower ratings can have scenes of affection. Actual sexual conduct would at a minimum be 16. X18 allows explicit sexual conduct, unless the material contains the following which would warrant an XX:
- Violation or disrespect for the dignity of any person.
- Bestiality, incest, rape conduct or any act which is degrading to human beings.
Child pornography will warrant a refusal of classification.
France[]
Softcore pornography is allowed for ages 16 and up while hardcore ones are for 18 and up which would warrant an X rating meaning they are subject to a special tax and can only be shown in certain licensed premises.
IMDA[]
- G cannot have sexual content beyond discreet scenes of affection.
- At PG, sexual activity may be implied if brief, infrequent and discreet. There may also be infrequent mild sexual references.
- At PG13, sexual activity may be portrayed if brief, infrequent and discreet. Stronger sexual references and crude gestures are also allowed as long as they are infrequent and not detailed.
- At NC16, sexual activity must not be detailed or prolonged. Brief same-sex affection may also be allowed.
- At M18, sexual activity may be portrayed with moderate details but cannot be frequent or gratuitous. Mild same-sex sexual activity is also allowed.
- At R21, simulated sex is allowed but cannot be exploitative or gratuitous. Same-sex sexual activity should not be explicit. Depictions of practices such as sadomasochism, bondage or orgies are subject to strict review.
Any work that contains the following would be refused classification:
- Promotion or instructions of deviant sexual behaviour.
- Promotion or excessive sexual behaviour that does not reflect current attitudes and values in Singapore.
- Exploitative depictions of sexual activity.
- Sex works.
MPA[]
Discreet sexual activity is generally permitted at PG-13. Most films containing simulated sexual activity are rated R. Films containing strong sexual activity with details of genitalia are rated NC-17. Any sympathetic depiction of ephebophilia, such as in Manhattan, earns an automatic R, while sympathetic depictions of pedophilia, such as in L.I.E. (which ultimately surrendered its rating after a failed appeal), are automatically rated NC-17.
OFLC[]
Simulated sex would be given a restricted label. This Film is Not Yet Rated obtained an R13 because such scenes have a documentary purpose as normally they would get at least an R16.
Sex works normally are rated R18, with the extra-requirement of being wrapped when are home video releases. Intimate home-made videos have obtained an specifically restricted to the participants rating.
OFNAA[]
IIA can have incidental mild depictions of sexually suggestive acts. IIB can have depictions of sexual activities if discretly implied or simulated.
Softcore porn is permitted at category III while hardcore is banned.
Television[]
TV Parental Guidelines[]
- TV-G: no suggestive dialogue (D) or sexual situations (S).
- TV-PG: some suggestive dialogue (D) and sexual situations (S).
- TV-14: intensely suggestive dialogue (D) and sexual situations (S).
- TV-MA: explicit sexual activity (S); explicit sexual dialogue (D) was officially discontinued in 1998 though some programs still use it unofficially.
FSF[]
As for FSK.
MTRCB[]
Sexual activity may only be implied at PG. Sexual activity may be portrayed at SPG but must not be graphic.
Video games[]
ACB[]
Prior to the introduction of R 18+ for computer games, high impact sex, as well as sexual activity related to incentives and rewards, was not permitted for computer games and were Refused Classification by the ACB. Currently, the X 18+ classification (or any equivalent of it) has not been introduced for computer games.
Computer games containing sexual activity related to incentives and rewards are given an R 18+ classification. However, actual sexual activity in computer games is not permitted at that category.
ESRB[]
M rated video games can contain strong sexual activity, but if the game's primary purpose is sex or it contains very strong, detailed sexual images, it could get an AO rating. One game with sexual content, however, got rated T.
FPB[]
Video game guidelines are stricter than for films: sexual conduct would warrant at a minimum a 13; lower ratings can contain scenes of affection. Games whose primary feature is sex, or those that contain sexual activity related to incentives and rewards would warrant an X18 unless they involve sexual violence, bestiality or incest which would warrant an XX.
IMDA[]
ADV16 can have implicit sexual activity.
M18 can contain non-explicit depictions of sex with some full-frontal nudity and same-sex affection.
OFLC[]
Interactive sex would always warrant at least a restricted label.
Sex related to incentives and rewards would get at minimum an R16, for example Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude. Unlike ACB explicit sex works can be permitted in videogames but they would be at least R18.
PEGI[]
PEGI 12 allows innuendos and sexualised posturing. PEGI 16 can have depictions of sexual activity and erotic nudity. At PEGI 18 sexual activity may be explicit.
Other media[]
ACB[]
In the ACB's publication classification system, unrestricted publications may not be recommended for readers who are under 15 years old. These publications may contain some images of nudity and sex; however, they never contain genital exposure or any graphic/simulated portrayal of sexual acts. Restricted publications are those which are restricted to adults. Restricted publications may contain sexual images that minors should not see. There may be stronger images of sexualised nudity or simulated sexual activity in category 1 restricted publications or depictions of real sexual activity in category 2 restricted publications.
FPB[]
FPB's publication classification system is somewhat different: any sexual conduct would be at least 16; very strong impact isn't allowed at 18; the rest is the same as for films.
IMDA[]
Arts Entertaiment[]
- G: Use of mild sexual verbal references (such as mild sexual innuendos) or gestures (such as brief kissing), if infrequent.
- Advisory: Mild sexual verbal references or gestures. Implied sexual activity, if infrequent and brief.
- Advisory 16: Moderate sexual verbal references or gestures. Infrequent simulated heterosexual sex.
- R18: Explicit sexual dialogue or gestures, occasional sexual gestures in a homosexual context and more frequent simulated heterosexual sex.
Publications and audio materials[]
Comics[]
General Release:
- Depiction of lovemaking in silhouettes if not detailed or excessive.
- Sexually suggestive depictions if they are isolated and infrequent.
Consumer Advice:
- Depiction of sex (including foreplay) between heterosexual couples allowed if not detailed or excessive.
- Sexually suggestive depictions if not excessive or detailed.
OFLC[]
For publications it isn't very different although they tend to be more lenient when there are no images involved, for example Fifty Shades of Grey (book) obtained an M despite being even more sexually graphic than the film which was rated R16.
Three sexually-related publications obtained an R17.