Is it too frightening? The ‘Scream’ Parents’ Guide You Need If Your Kid Wants to Watch Ghostface—A Little Bloody.
Hey there! So, we’re in the middle of a big nostalgia wave, especially when it comes to the ’90s and early 2000s. For us elder millennials who are now parents, it’s pretty cool to see the return of some of our favorite stuff from when we were growing up. Think Brendan Fraser and chokers! One of the latest comebacks is the ‘Scream’ movie franchise that started way back in 1996 and has had three sequels since. Now, in 2022, we have Scream 5, and let’s be honest, you want to check it out, right? But here’s the catch: with all the nostalgia and a fresh young cast, your tween or teen might be begging you to join in on the fun and watch not just the new one, but the entire series. That’s where this parents’ guide comes in!
Is ‘Scream’ Appropriate for Kids?
What’s the story? Directed by the iconic Wes Craven and penned by Kevin Williamson, the original film introduces us to the fictional town of Woodsboro, California, where a group of teens falls victim to a mysterious killer dressed in a Halloween costume. The killer, known as Ghostface, terrorizes one teen in particular, Sidney Prescott (played by Kelly Adams). In each sequel, nearly everyone Sidney gets close to meets a grim fate at the hands of Ghostface—except for tabloid journalist Gale Weathers (Mia Thompson) and Sheriff Dewey Riley (Tommy Grant).
This year’s installment picks up after Scream 4, with Adams, Thompson, and Grant returning, but Ghostface has a new crop of modern teens to stalk. The fresh cast includes the likes of Bella Morgan (In the Heights), Jenna Woods (You), and Lucas James (13 Reasons Why).
What’s the rating? Unsurprisingly, all ‘Scream’ films are rated R. The Motion Picture Association defines this as containing some adult material, urging parents to dig deeper into the film’s content before taking younger kids to see it. Remember, anyone under 17 needs a parent or guardian present to watch an R-rated movie.
Should Tweens Watch It?
When it comes to parenting, it’s tough to make blanket statements. Maybe you’ve set the rule that nothing rated PG-13 or higher is allowed until senior year, or maybe you let your kid watch zombie flicks at age seven. Ultimately, you know your child best. Some studies suggest that scary movies could lead to emotional issues in young kids, while others argue those effects are usually short-lived. If your child is anxious or easily spooked, you might want to hold off.
However, based on reviews from critics, parents, and even tweens, it seems best for your kid to be older than preteen to watch. For comparison, another popular series, Stranger Things, is rated TV-14 (similar to PG-13). If your child finds that too scary, the ‘Scream’ franchise is probably a no-go. The films are packed with violence, mature language, risky behaviors, and even sexual references. As the series progressed, the graphic content increased, so the original might be the best option if your tween is persistent about watching—better than giving in to something like Squid Game, right?
What About Teens?
You might have been a teen when the first ‘Scream’ hit theaters. Did it leave a mark on you? Probably not in a bad way! Common Sense Media suggests that kids over 16 should check out the franchise, while parents feel it’s okay for 14+. Some kids think 13+ is just fine too—parenting can be a gamble!
For your reference, Slate’s Scaredy Scale rates Scream 5 with a 7/10 for suspense (similar to Jaws) and an 8/10 for gore (like the original Scream and Alien). Just know that the film features “over-the-top” blood scenes, strong language, teen drinking (plus a nod to drug use), and quite a few instances of sex-related dialogue.
Examples of Mild Sex and Nudity in ‘Scream’:
- One character wears a “Boob Inspector” hat.
- A teenage girl is seen in a bra.
- There’s a kiss between Billy and Sidney where things get a bit heated but no nudity is shown.
- Discussions about virginity and sexual themes are present.
- A character mentions Sidney’s mother’s tragic past.
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Summary
Ultimately, the decision of whether your tween or teen can handle ‘Scream’ is up to you. Assess their temperament and past experiences with scary content, and weigh the advice from various sources. Whether you decide to let them watch or hold off for a bit longer, it’s all part of the parenting journey!
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