Should a 13-Year-Old Watch Sausage Party After Seeing Scary Movie 2?

The decision to allow a 13-year-old to watch the movie Sausage Party depends on numerous factors, including the child's maturity level, comprehension, and the parental guidance provided. This discussion aims to explore this question in detail, providing insights based on the similarities and differences between Sausage Party and Scary Movie 2.

Understanding the Rationale Behind Parental Guidance

Parental guidance is crucial when it comes to determining the appropriateness of movies for children. In the case of Sausage Party, the movie is rated 16, indicating that it contains mature themes and situations. However, the depiction is not full of violence or gore, but rather focuses on comedic and sometimes unconventional narratives.

Comparing Sausage Party and Scary Movie 2

Sausage Party and Scary Movie 2 differ significantly in their content and target audiences. While Scary Movie 2 is a horror comedy that takes fear to the next level with plenty of gory and violent scenes, Sausage Party is a quirky animated film that deals with controversial themes such as relationships and sexuality, albeit in a less graphic manner.

Sexual Themes in Sausage Party

The sexual content in Sausage Party is more subtle and symbolic, making it less explicit compared to Scary Movie 2. However, the themes can still be uncomfortable for younger viewers due to the mature language and jokes. Professor Karen VanGorden, a media analyst, has stated, 'The humor in Sausage Party is nuanced and often goes over the heads of young viewers. It is more about playful and mature themes rather than explicit content.'

Comprehension and Enjoyment

Given that the child has already seen Scary Movie 2, it’s reasonable to consider their ability to handle potentially mature content. However, the jokes and themes in Sausage Party may not fully resonate with a 13-year-old, as they may find the symbolism and underlying messages difficult to grasp. As Professor VanGorden points out, 'While Sausage Party is not as violent as Scary Movie 2, the humor and themes are often more complex and may require a higher level of maturity to fully appreciate.'

Parental Perspective and Decision Making

Parents should consider their own comfort levels in watching movies with their children. If a parent finds Sausage Party uncomfortable, it might be a sign that it's not suitable for their child, especially if the parent is still developing discernment about media consumption.

Encouraging Media Literacy

Ultimately, teaching children to develop a discerning eye for quality media is important. Allowing them to watch a movie like Sausage Party can be a learning opportunity, but it should come with a healthy dose of parental guidance. A child needs to understand that media consumption should not only be for fun but also for learning and critical thinking.

Alternative Viewing Options

Instead of limiting children's access to all mature content, parents can foster a healthy relationship with media by providing age-appropriate options and discussions. For younger viewers, family-friendly movies can introduce similar themes in a more accessible and appropriate manner.

Conclusion

While Sausage Party is not as disturbing as Scary Movie 2, it still contains themes that require mature understanding. Parents should carefully evaluate their child's readiness and their own comfort levels before deciding to let them watch Sausage Party. Encouraging media literacy and setting boundaries can help ensure that children enjoy media responsibly and thoughtfully.