In today’s world of limitless entertainment options, parents often face the challenge of deciding what content is suitable for their children. These choices are rarely straightforward.
My partner and I have always taken a cautious approach regarding our children’s viewing habits. This tendency might stem from the fact that our eldest child is particularly sensitive to frightening or unsettling material, even when we might not categorize it as such. Additionally, with a significant age difference between our kids, what a 13-year-old finds acceptable can be entirely inappropriate for a 5-year-old.
We also recognize that we were both sensitive children ourselves, raised in an environment where our parents were rather lenient about the films and shows we watched. I can recall watching movies like Jaws and Alien much earlier than I would ever allow my kids to see them. While those films didn’t traumatize me, I remember feeling like I was witnessing things I wasn’t quite ready for.
Now, in an age dominated by platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, it seems many parents are surprisingly relaxed about exposing young children to adult content. For instance, a neighbor recently asked on social media about the age at which kids start watching shows like Stranger Things, as her 8-year-old claimed many classmates were already doing so. Another acquaintance shared that their family watched Game of Thrones—a series notorious for its graphic and violent scenes—with young children present.
Determining a child’s “readiness” is inherently subjective, but there are certainly some general guidelines to consider. Age-based ratings, such as TV-14, R, and MA, exist for a reason; while they aren’t definitive, they offer a framework for assessing what children might be developmentally prepared to handle.
It’s essential to recognize that children under the age of seven often struggle to distinguish between fantasy and reality. Based on my observations of my own children, this confusion can linger for years beyond that age. Witnessing violent acts or death can be genuinely distressing, as they may not fully comprehend that these events are fictional.
Many parents assert that their children can “handle” mature content, but I can’t help but wonder what that truly means. Is it concerning if our kids do not exhibit emotionally appropriate reactions to troubling material? Moreover, we might not always be aware of when our children feel unsettled. Kids often want to fit in and may suppress their discomfort with more mature themes. Some parents might feel a sense of pride in their children’s resilience toward adult content, which could prevent them from recognizing subtle signs of distress.
Ultimately, each parent must determine what is acceptable for their own children. I know parents who are indifferent to profanity in films but draw the line at sexual content and graphic violence. Others may feel that sex is acceptable, while violence goes too far, and some might not be bothered by violence but take issue with explicit language.
Context and execution also play a significant role in these decisions. For example, historical violence may be perceived differently than fantasy violence. A tasteful romantic scene between spouses can be more acceptable than a depiction of teenagers engaging in casual sex. The King’s Speech, rated R for language, was a film we allowed our young children to watch because its only objectionable moment was contextually justified.
For evaluating films, I’ve found Common Sense Media to be an invaluable resource. Their website provides age recommendations from both parents and children, along with detailed descriptions of potentially objectionable content. For example, instead of a vague label of “sexual content,” you can find specifics about scenes, making it easier to decide what’s appropriate for your child.
Regardless of personal beliefs, parents should be aware of what their children are watching and be prepared to discuss any potentially troubling content. With so much entertainment readily available, our guidance is crucial in helping children navigate what they might encounter while also shielding them from material they may not be ready for.
Summary
Deciding what content is suitable for children can be a complex task for parents. With varying sensitivities and age differences among children, it’s essential to consider developmental appropriateness and context when evaluating media. Resources like Common Sense Media can help guide these decisions, ensuring that parents remain informed and engaged in their children’s viewing habits.
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