Can you bring a kid significantly under 12 to a 12 film?

Posted by MulberryJumpy4214@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 31 comments

Just wondering before I waste money - I have a film at a cinema I'd love to see. It'll likely be rated 12, but I have a kid a lot under that (NOT a toddler or anything lol, but not near 12 either. For privacy keeping it vague). The film really only has a few mild swears they already know of, and some cartoonish violence (which they've seen worse of in stuff you see on TV and are fine with, not anything inappropriate, but swearing and some violence, we've had the talks about it. They've also seen the prequel films which are rated the same but not at cinema).

I'm looking to go with Vue but just wanted to check before getting their hopes up because different sources are saying different things - are very much under 12s allowed with an adult, or is it ONLY 12s and up/near 12s? Got two different answers so wanted to double check, not sure if they're only okay with kids near the age and it's a loooong trip to get turned away from. If not we'll wait for it to come out properly, don't have any ID for them on me either 😅 Never been to the cinemas since I was a kid so I'm not sure how strict everything is now!

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rabidrob42@reddit

Is it a 12 or 12A? If it's a 12 then I don't believe they'd let you in, if it's a 12A then it's your discretion, but given how young you say they are, probably not.

mrhippoj@reddit

It's been pointed out elsewhere but this is incorrect. 12 and 12A don't exist together in the same context. 12A means that an under-12 can come if accompanied by an adult, and it only exists at the cinema. 12 means that only people 12 or older can buy it, and only exists with purchases and rentals in a retail context i.e. DVD and Bluray

But we're talking about a cinema setting, so the distinction is still correct, no?

Well no, because what you said is misleading. You said that if it's a 12 they won't let them in, but it won't be a 12 because it doesn't exist in the cinema.

Ah ok, didn't know that.

MysticDolphin@reddit

I can’t imagine any cinema employee remotely caring enough to question you if it clear the child is with you and not attending on their own.

My dad used to take me to see whatever when I was young and nobody ever said a thing.

Consistent-Candle873@reddit

partner use to work in a cinema and basically no. The cinema can get fined and lose their licence for allowing entry into a film thats no appropriate. I heard all the stories about deadpool and venom.

That doesnt mean you cant attempt to sneak them in though

Swimming_Possible_68@reddit

That's not true with a 12a though. It was the case when it was a straight up 12, but the addition of the a means it is up to the parent / guardian to decide if an accompanied child can watch the film.

They can't go unaccompanied, but they can go with an adult.

https://www.bbfc.co.uk/rating/12

This was established with Spider-Man (2002) and it replaced, in cinema, the 12 rating (introduced for Batman (1989) - super hero films have had a big impact on the BBFC over the last 35 years).

It is however entirely on the adult to ensure it is suitable for their child. It is not a babysitter replacement service.

Deadpool and Venom are 15s. It's different with 12s, which in the cinema are called 12As, where under-12s can come if accompanied by an adult

J_Thompson82@reddit

If it’s a 12A then I believe you can take any child to see it as long as they’re with an appropriate adult.

sheepandlambs@reddit

12a is for cinemas, 12 is for home releases.

Parking_Dear@reddit

12 doesn't exist by itself anymore for Cinemas

redditorialacious@reddit

Today I learned 12 doesn't exist in cinemas and is replaced by 12A and I love that. Common sense prevails. As a parent I'd happily take my kids to a 12 rated film, they see worse when walking the streets lol.

RecentTwo544@reddit

I'm not sure why you're keeping the age vague "for privacy" - don't mean to sound arsey but that's the info that decides this. If you say "my kid is 8" there's hundreds of thousands of eight year olds in the UK.

I'd also say it depends on the film -

Twister for example is now rated 12 in the UK, but 12 didn't exist at the time and it was PG. Saw it in the cinema when it came out and I was about 7. Had dreams for years after that about tornadoes coming towards the house, in hindsight I was probably too young.

Yet on the flip side there's loads of comedy films rated 12 or even 15 that I'd have been fine with at that age. I had a good sense of humour (liked loads of British sitcoms and sketch shows I was technically too young to watch) and understood if there were naughty words, not to use them myself.

SinfulSoftiez@reddit

Nah, you’re probably out of luck. A 12 rating usually means no under-12s full stop, even with an adult. Cinemas like Vue can be pretty strict about it, so you might get turned away at the door. Save yourself the trip and just wait for streaming—less stress, same movie

WorcsBloke@reddit

If it's definitely a 12A you're fine. Be sure though, because if it turns out to be rated 15 you're out of luck and a responsible cinema will check anyone who looks young.

Mental_Body_5496@reddit

12 no

12A yes

PianoMiddle346@reddit

Why would you want to do this anyway? It is 12 for a reason, no little kids allowed. Rules apply to you too

You can take a child under 12 to a 12a, however, it's your responsibility to ensure that your child is IOK with it.

And of course there are 12s and 12s....

The whole reason the 12a was created was to give parents more scope, as all kids are different.

Spider -Man (Sam Raimi version) was the 1st 12a and other than perhaps being a bit scary for kids, I can't think of much in it anyway 8-10 year old couldn't handle. I mean, Raiders of the lost ark had literal face melting. And Jaws used to be a PG.

I'm sure I heard somewhere that the minimum recommended age is 8, however this very much depends on the film. Something like Casino Royale are far less kid friendly than some other 12s. This is why it's important for you to understand what you are going to watch, potentially doing a test screening beforehand.

Embarrassed-Dig-8180@reddit

Whats the movie?

If its 12A I think someone under 12 can go if acompanied by an adult.

If its a 12, then really depends on the individual cinema/staff? Probably best asking the Cinema directly if you can

Barkasia@reddit

My guess is Devil Wears Prada 2 or Project Hail Mary - both 12A.

grownduskier@reddit

12s don't exist at the cinema any more, only 12A. If the kids under 12 and accompanied by an adult then they can go, regardless of how very under 12 they are.

OG-87@reddit

Contact the cinema….

Alternatively_Listed@reddit

Yes. And honestly even if you run into trouble they’d refund your tickets

PresentRelevant3006@reddit

You can take a child under 12 to view any 12 rated movie. They just need an adult with them.

midgetman166@reddit

As far as I am aware yes it's okay, as long as you are an adult (18+) then the responsibility is with you as the accompanying person. The only ones (as far as I am aware) that need ID is 15 and 18, other than that I believe it's up to the accompanying adults' discretion.

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