Is your child old enough to watch scary movies?

Many popular Halloween traditions are family-friendly, but some aren’t appropriate for all age groups. When it comes to watching scary movies, how young is too young?

“While there is no set age, a great place to start is checking a movie’s rating,” explains Dr. Anisha Shetty, a pediatrician at Advocate Children’s Hospital. “This will help you get an understanding of what audience the movie is geared toward. G and PG-rated movies are approved for all viewers, while PG-13 and R can contain scary scenes, gore and adult content.”

Dr. Shetty recommends being mindful that even G and PG-rated movies may be frightening to a child, as they still can include spooky content.

“Movie ratings can be a useful guide, but they won’t provide any context about what happens in the film,” Dr. Shetty says. “An internet search can give you a rundown of a movie’s scenes and any potentially concerning moments, which can help you make an informed decision about whether the movie is right for your child.”

Dr. Shetty also recommends viewing the movie beforehand without your child. If you decide it is appropriate, watch with your child to help them process what they are seeing and serve as a source of comfort if needed.

“If your child is scared during the movie, ask if they’d like to stop watching,” Dr. Shetty says. “Don’t force them to watch something that makes them uncomfortable. When you are finished watching, whether that’s a few moments into the movie or at the end, have a conversation with your child about what they saw and how it made them feel.”

Be mindful that scary movies may stick with your child long after the television is turned off.

“Scary movies can have lasting effects, frequently causing nightmares or a fear of the dark, or other things your child was not afraid of prior to watching,” Dr. Shetty says. “Reassure your child that they are safe, and always listen to and validate their concerns. If scary movies don’t feel like part of your family’s Halloween fun, don’t force it. Remember that scary movies aren’t a requirement for growing up. Many adults don’t enjoy them either and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season without them.”

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