There are parents who never allow their younger children watch scary movies in fear of them having nightmares and anxiety. Scary movies can cause children to get symptoms like nightmares, fear of being alone and anxiety.
Some other parents who don’t see it as a big deal, and they are queried for bad parenting. However, is there a reason these parents don’t find it as bad as other parents do? These parents may not see it as a problem due to many reasons such as their own upbringing and beliefs. And when it to comes to things like this, you shouldn’t be too quick to judge.
However there are parents who just don’t care what their children watch, and this is bad parenting.
So the question “should my kids watch scary movies” depends many things, mainly your preference as a parent. For example, a movie may be rated 16 still, you as a parent may not find it suitable for yours. Ratings for movies and TV shows differ from countries, personal backgrounds and so on. There are many movies in Europe rated for young teenagers, but in other places it isn’t.
So, it’s safe to say that this situation is more of a:
“what matters to me may not matter to you, and what is okay for you may not be okay for me”
Key takeaway
This article will help you learn if it’s safe for your children to watch scary movies and what possible negative and positive effects it could have on kids.
What are the potential risk on children watching scary movies?
Watching horror movies can have different effects on children, and even adults. Sometimes it could manifest immediately, and sometimes it could be much later. As a parent or guardian, it’s essential to consider a child’s age and sensitivity when deciding if they should watch such movies. Children are more alert and tend to retain images and words more, so it’s important to keep this in mind. Younger children might find them too intense or frightening, which could lead to nightmares or increased anxiety. It can also affect their behavior and their ability to cope in situations. Overall, it is important to monitor what children watch to ensure it’s age-appropriate, something you believe is safe for them, and doesn’t negatively impact their well-being.
What age is appropriate for children to watch scary movies?
The appropriate age for children to watch scary movies can vary depending on your child’s maturity and sensitivity and what you are comfortable with. Generally, experts recommend that children under the age of 10 should avoid watching the ones with intense or frightening content. It’s crucial to consider your child’s temperament, and ability to distinguish between fantasy, and reality before allowing them to watch them.
Are there any benefits to kids watching horror movies?
While scary movies can be frightening for some kids, it may also offer some benefits. Allowing your children watch scare movies may help them toughen up, and be less fearful of people and the dark. As ridiculous as it sounds, it is possible for your kids to benefit from it. So long you’ve helped them understand that many of the things they see in the movies aren’t real. However, this may not be applicable to most children as they might still suffer from potential negative effects from these movies. As a parent, always consider your child’s age and sensitivity when deciding whether to allow them watch them. After all you know your child better than anyone.
So what kind of scary movies are appropriate for kids?
It depends on how your family works and the way your child views things. There are children who are much braver and aren’t easily affected by what they watch or see which makes them understand that “it’s just a movie, it’s not real”. However most children are easily frightened, and the chances of your child being a bit different is kinda low and the odds may not be in your favor. So therefore if you noticed that your child is more capable of handling their emotions, thoughts and what they see, then it may not be be a problem for them to watch horror movies.
That said, you must consider somethings, despite your child’s ability to control their emotions. Scary movies have levels, and the higher the rawness, the less likely you should let them watch. Your children shouldn’t watch the ones that are highly graphic, because even some adults feel disturbed after watching them and some don’t watch at all. So, it would be safe to keep them away from your younger children.
Can scary movies cause long-term effects on behavior?
It is very possible for your children to behave differently after being exposed to horror movies, which is why you must monitor what they watch. Younger kids might find them too intense, and it could lead to them having trouble sleeping or increased fearfulness. Just keep an eye on their reactions and make sure they feel comfortable after watching something scary.
Scary movies that are completely safe for your children to watch
When it comes to scary movies for kids, it’s best to look for ones that are age-appropriate and not too intense, to be on the safest side. Movies with a more light-hearted or fantastical approach to scares, like animated Halloween specials or classic monster movies, can be a good starting point for younger viewers. Just make sure to check the movie’s rating and content to ensure it’s suitable for your child’s age and sensitivity level.
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