Childhood Horror Movies: Where Should the Line Be Drawn?

Conversations about appropriate content for children often center around age-appropriate media. However, when parents make the decision, the choice can have significant impacts, especially when that content is inappropriate or too scary for a young mind. This article delves into some of the horror movies that parents unwittingly exposed their children to, and the lasting impacts these experiences had.

Parents' Influence: Lessons from a Young Mind

Parental influence on children extends beyond healthy meals and bedtime routines. It can also include the media a child is exposed to, including movies. For Romel Rahman, a seasoned advertiser, the experiences of watching horror movies at young ages have left a lasting impression. In his narrative, we explore how certain movies, while not his choice, left a mark on his young psyche.

Early Exposure to Horror: 'Jaws' and 'Burnt Offerings'

When Romel Rahman was just 7 and 8 years old, his father would take him to see horror movies. Two notable films that come to mind are 'Jaws' and 'Burnt Offerings'. These movies, both released in 1975, are masterpieces in their own right, but for a child, the experiences can be traumatizing. 'Jaws' can still evoke fear in Romel, much to the chagrin of a 7-year-old who sees his father infrequently. Similarly, 'Burnt Offerings', with its unsettling paranormal elements, left a lasting fright that didn't fade.

The Long-Term Impact of Inappropriate Content

While Romel's experience is significant, he is not alone. Many parents have exposed their children to inappropriate content, and the effects can linger. Scott, a father of two adult daughters, mentions the movie 'Eyes Wide Shut'. His twin daughters watched it at age 14 and shared their experiences with him 4 years later. Even now, when they talk about it, the memories are still fresh, although the impact is no longer as profound as when they were younger. 'Eyes Wide Shut' is not typically considered a children's movie, and its more explicit content left a lasting impression.

Horror Movies in the Fabric of Childhood

Scary movies can also shape a child's perspective on the world. Romel Rahman's experience with 'The Yellow Submarine', a colorful and optimistic movie, also stands out. The movie, while not typically a horror film, includes subtle adult themes that a young child may not fully grasp. These elements can still leave an impression on a child, even if the movie itself is not scary.

Classic Horror Films: A Parent's Guide

Classic horror films like 'Goodfellas', 'Pulp Fiction', 'The Social Network', 'Dr. Strangelove', and 'Salems Lot' can subtly introduce complex themes to children. 'Salems Lot', while a scary movie, is also significant for introducing Romel to his grandmother, who turned him into a horror fan. While the movie does contain themes that are better suited for adults, the act of watching it with his grandmother provides a different context.

Concluding Thoughts

Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, shape our understanding of the world. In the case of these horror movies, they can instill long-lasting fears and impressions that linger into adulthood. For parents, it is essential to consider the age-appropriateness of the content they expose their children to, especially when it comes to horror and suspenseful movies. While these films may be classics, their impact on a young mind can be profound.

Key Takeaways:

Parents must be cautious about the media they expose their children to, especially horror movies. The impact of inappropriate content can last into adulthood. Classic movies like 'Goodfellas', 'Pulp Fiction', and 'The Social Network' have elements that are better suited for adults.

Let us know in the comments if you have any stories to share or questions about how to navigate appropriate media for children.