How to decide which films are right for kidsSome PG-rated movies present chilling scenarios ("Tangled"), while some R-rated ones offer uplifting life lessons ("The King's Speech"). How do parents decide what's OK for their kids?
Caroline Knorr, parenting editor at Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization that helps parents manage the media and technology in their kids' lives, says it can be particularly tricky to decide whether PG and PG-13 movies are OK. That's why reviewers at her website (www.commonsensemedia.org) evaluate "all of the hot-button issues, like sex, violence, consumerism and even what messages a movie is sending," she said.
Even if some of the content is iffy, Knorr can see allowing a tween to see a movie if it's based on a beloved book, or if its messages are positive or reinforce your family's values. "But discuss any scary or envelope-pushing scenes to prepare your kid in advance and discuss them afterward, too," she said.
"If there are no consequences for bad behavior, or if the bad guys get rewarded, that's a no-go in my house," she said. "I also don't like movies that reinforce 'mean girls' behavior, even if the popular girls get their comeuppance, because the likelihood of modeling their bad behavior is high."
She notes that kids become capable of distinguishing fantasy from reality around 7 or 8. But also take into account your child's particular sensitivities.
Even some G-rated movies have gateway language such as "sucks," or action that might concern parents. Some G-movies can be in 3-D, which studies suggest might not be great for young eyes.
"And don't think that just because a movie got a G rating then it is OK to take really young kids," Knorr said. "The huge screen, the loud music and sounds can all be too much for little ones."
When on the fence, wait until a movie hits the small screen, "so you can potentially skip past some of the parts you feel are a little questionable," Knorr said. "You also have the right to say no."
