3 years old,too young?

Darmstrong

Hi,
I know this is a little off the topic of films but what age is it acceptable to bring a child to a film. Myself and my friend were going to bring her 3 year old daughter to see a film today when my friend asked would it be okay because she was only 3. It want a case of if the film would be suitable (it was U rated) but a question of would other people see us and think that she is too young to go to the cinema ..
Any idea?

Also, does anyone remember the first film they went to see as a child?
Mine; The Lion King,1994, I was 4 years old :]

Galvasean

As a rule I generaly wouldn't approve of bringing a kid to the cinema until they are 5 (maybe 4 and a half). Research has shown that the loudness of the cinema can be very bad for their still developing ears. In fact, some cinemas in the UK have strict policies barring 3 year olds and under from their screenings*.

*Actually, that may no longr be the case, as I recall last year some braindead people challenged them in court because barring infants from the cinema was a 'breach of human rights'. :rolleyes:

cynder

I bring my 3 year old to the cinema and his better than my 5 year old.

He sat through - start to finish
how to train a dragon
aliens in the attic
aliens vs monsters
astro boy


I wouldnt try him with nanny mc phee as i dont think that will hold his attention.

I was around 10 when i first went the the cinema to watch honey i shrunk the kids.

oh and im half deaf and need hearing aids.

i think you would have been better off posting this thread in parenting.

Darmstrong

Yeah i should have and will, i only joined Boards yesterday and didn't see the parenting section, sorry

Thats a good point about hearing, i never would have thought about that!

jaykhunter

I reckon if you're asking if it's too young, it's too young. I'd recommend dropping your children off to your family/neighbors and going out on the town with the wife/gf.

I'd ask please, please take your child out if he/she starts crying!!

ztoical

First film I saw was Supergirl while on holidays on the Isle of Man and I was 3 and had no issue sitting through the whole thing, though did demand they rewind it and play it again at the end lol, my hearing is fine BTW. I think it's a hard one to say as each kid is different and while some will sit through it fine others won't. Do remember someone bringing a very young kid to X2 opening weekend 8.30 show and it started crying half way through and the mother just sat there and let it cry. Loads of people started yelling at her to take the kid out and she just refused cus she'd paid for her ticket. I've no issue with people bringing kids to films but some common sense, avoid packed screenings and if they start acting up bring them outside.

Some cinemas have mummy and baby screenings but 3 is prob too old and it's usually more mummy focused films then kid focused.

OutlawPete

Darmstrong wrote: »

Also, does anyone remember the first film they went to see as a child?

Mine; The Lion King,1994, I was 4 years old :]

Had a thread in After Hours for a good while asking what people's first cinema experiences were:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055829448

Mine was Superman and I was nearly 5.

Best day of my life.

At that age the screen looked as big as the Empire State

I vividly remember the helcopitor crashing scene and when Lois falls.

I was gripping my seat and living every second like no other time since.

Anakin.S

Galvasean wrote: »

As a rule I generaly wouldn't approve of bringing a kid to the cinema until they are 5 (maybe 4 and a half). Research has shown that the loudness of the cinema can be very bad for their still developing ears. In fact, some cinemas in the UK have strict policies barring 3 year olds and under from their screenings*.

*Actually, that may no longr be the case, as I recall last year some braindead people challenged them in court because barring infants from the cinema was a 'breach of human rights'. :rolleyes:

The Odeon in Belfast actually has a parent and baby screening of movies during the day, although it is geared towards new mothers who want to get out during the day while the other half is in work.

Nevyn

It depends on the child, some kids can and will sit snuggled up beside thier parent and what a whole movie. Other's won't sit still, or will get freaked out, when in thier day also makes a difference, aim for a time when they are not going to be cranky due to being tired, or hungry or a time when usually they get to be out running around.

I would suggest seeing if they wil sit with you at home to watch a movie and then try and take them but be prepared to leave if needed.

qz

It does depend on the child. I brought my 6 year old sister to Princess and the Frog and she loved it, but my 3 year old sister said she didn't wanted to go because she'd be scared of the cinema (she said this to me), but that she'd be up for the next Shrek film when that's out. I'm sure there are 3 year old kids that love the cinema, you can probably tell if the kid gets scared easily by watching films at home? I know you don't get the same sensory experience as in the cinema but it's certainly an indication.

Skinfull

Bring him. (or her)
Never too young for the flicks though I'd suggest bringing him to the child friendly morning shows and matinees. Kids talk and ask questions during movies and in a matinee they up the volume to compensate for this and no one can give out to you for having to have a 3 min conversation with the kid to explain something that's happening on the screen. Also they dont turn the lights all the way down in these showings.

Good luck!

fitz

The level of public awareness of the noise-induced hearing loss never ceases to amaze me. Talk to any audiologist, I'd imagine they'll recommend not bringing a child that young to a cinema.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/3334793/Deafening-new-films-threaten-hearing-of-young-cinema-goers.html

Whatever about adults, but kids at critical stages of speach and language development?
I know I wouldn't risk it.

cynder

I have had my 3 year olds hearing tested as part of his asd assessment. Turns out I'm the one with an hearing problem and am waiting for 2 hearing aids. I haven't yet hit 30.

Galvasean

fitz wrote: »

The level of public awareness of the noise-induced hearing loss never ceases to amaze me. Talk to any audiologist, I'd imagine they'll recommend not bringing a child that young to a cinema.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/3334793/Deafening-new-films-threaten-hearing-of-young-cinema-goers.html

Whatever about adults, but kids at critical stages of speach and language development?
I know I wouldn't risk it.

And yet, based on some of the replies in this thread, people simply do not want to know this.

eth0_

I think it depends on the child.
HOWEVER - the moment your kid starts screaming or being in any way noisy, leave the auditorium. There is nothing more infuriating than paying a tenner to see a movie (aimed at adults!) only to have it ruined by someone who brought their child along and thinks it's ok for the child to be noisy.

Rant over

The Big Red Button

grindelwald wrote: »

I have had my 3 year olds hearing tested as part of his asd assessment. Turns out I'm the one with an hearing problem and am waiting for 2 hearing aids. I haven't yet hit 30.

Well that's excellent, that his hearing is fine now ... however, now that you've been made aware that damage could potentially be caused to his hearing, will you still continue to bring him to the cinema while he's this age? Not judging or anything! Just curious!

Skinfull

Yea cinemas, earphones, rock gigs (Or any gigs for that matter), stock car racing, f1, air shows...all bad for your ears no point in going to any of them. And while your at it, you know looking at computer screens and tv is really bad for your eyes, don't read that book in too dim a light or your ****ed!
So just go sit over there in the corner, humming (quietly) with your perfect hearing and eyesight! :rolleyes:

Galvasean

Skinfull wrote: »

Yea cinemas, earphones, rock gigs (Or any gigs for that matter), stock car racing, f1, air shows...all bad for your ears no point in going to any of them. And while your at it, you know looking at computer screens and tv is really bad for your eyes, don't read that book in too dim a light or your ****ed!
So just go sit over there in the corner, humming (quietly) with your perfect hearing and eyesight! :rolleyes:

BIG difference between an informed adult going to these things and bringing a small child to them (which is what the topic is about).

fitz

Skinfull wrote: »

Yea cinemas, earphones, rock gigs (Or any gigs for that matter), stock car racing, f1, air shows...all bad for your ears no point in going to any of them. And while your at it, you know looking at computer screens and tv is really bad for your eyes, don't read that book in too dim a light or your ****ed!
So just go sit over there in the corner, humming (quietly) with your perfect hearing and eyesight! :rolleyes:

I'm a musician, so my hearing is very important to me. I've got molded earplugs to protect my hearing, and always wear them in loud pubs, at gigs, etc. There's a big difference between avoiding sources of noise and protecting yourself from them. I'm always delighted to see kids at festivals whose parents have gotten ear protectors for them. I honestly think it's one of the largest public health education gaps there is. People don't know enough about how to protect their hearing, or even why they should.

mrgardener

Galvasean wrote: »

BIG difference between an informed adult going to these things and bringing a small child to them (which is what the topic is about).

Oh for gods sake, get off your high horse!
I am one of these bad parents who brings his 4yr old kid to the cinema.
He loves it and I love bringing him. If we listened to everyone raving on about whats the latest threat to our childrens wellbeing, we'd wrap them up in cotton wool and feed them organic grass forever.
I'm not suggesting you send them bungy jumping at age three, just use good parenting common sense - and enjoy the movie!
Incidentally, he also has a chocolate bar in the cinema....oh dear!:rolleyes:

tinner777

what you using to keep a three year old quiet for an hour and half? That must be a big chocolate bar . my kids would wreck the place.

mrgardener

Oh, I forget to mention, i tie them to the seat so they cant move!:D
Seroiusly though, if your kid enjoys the cinema, and if you can afford it (it is bloody expensive) bring them!

tinner777

At the moment Sat night is movie night, microwave popcorn and a dvd, they love it, when the twins get bored, or the popcorn runs out, which ever is first, they go back to the playroom leaving my five year old to enjoy the film.

mrgardener

mrgardener wrote: »

Oh for gods sake, get off your high horse!
I am one of these bad parents who brings his 4yr old kid to the cinema.
He loves it and I love bringing him. If we listened to everyone raving on about whats the latest threat to our childrens wellbeing, we'd wrap them up in cotton wool and feed them organic grass forever.
I'm not suggesting you send them bungy jumping at age three, just use good parenting common sense - and enjoy the movie!
Incidentally, he also has a chocolate bar in the cinema....oh dear!:rolleyes:

I've been going to the cinema since I was 3 and while my hearing is fine I do believe that it can have a negative effect on a childs hearing. Imagine taking a 3 year old to see Transformers, the sound mix in the film is superb but the only thing a child of that age will notice is just how loud the explosions are, of which there are many. No one is suggesting that kids never go to the cinema, what people are suggesting is that a little caution be applied.

Repeated exposure to loud noises be that through headphones, gigs, cinema, whatever, will in the long run have an effect. Taking a child to the cinema every now and again should have no lasting effect on their hearing but if it is a regualr occurence then the chances of lasting damage are much higher.

One of my youngest brothers has hearing problems and while it has nothing to do with him going to the cinema at an early age it is one of the most heart breaking things to see. Would you really play with your childs hearing and future just because you enjoy taking him to the cinema?

mrgardener

Deleted User wrote: »

Would you really play with your childs hearing and future just because you enjoy taking him to the cinema?

Sorry about your younger brother.
I bring my son (he's 5 now) to the cinema because he loves it. We don't go to Transformers or anything like that. The last film we seen was "train you dragon". He loved it! We have gone to the cinema approx 4 times and will continue to go when suitable movies are on.

aleybert

What next?
If your kid likes going to the movies - bring 'em!

aleybert

aleybert wrote: »

What next?
If your kid likes going to the movies - bring 'em!

Children also enjoy twisting the caps off of bleach and medicine bottles, should we leave them to it as they do seem to like it.

Galvasean

I love the knee jerk reactions going on here. Whenever this topic pops up I (and others) point out that there is potentially a risk of taking very young children to the cinema the inevitable 'high horse' and 'oh I must be a bad parent' (like that's some sort of a valid argument) lines roll out.
We're not doing it to wreck your buzz you know.
My nephew really wanted to see Ice Age 3 (the one with the dinosaurs in it) in the cinema. He was only 2 and a half so we decided not to bring him just to be on the safe side. Waited for the DVD to come out a few months later. No problem.

aleybert

Deleted User wrote: »

Children also enjoy twisting the caps off of bleach and medicine bottles, should we leave them to it as they do seem to like it.

Sweet Jesus, i give up.

johnny_ultimate

Deleted User wrote: »

Children also enjoy twisting the caps off of bleach and medicine bottles, should we leave them to it as they do seem to like it.

I'm interested in your side of the debate Darko, but there really isn't any need for such sarcasm and unhelpful posts. Same goes for aleybert!

As for me, I'm not fully aware of the health implications of bringing children to the cinema, so couldn't fully weigh in. I do think that kid's should be introduced to the cinema at a relatively early age, but not at a point that it might be damaging. I'm sure bringing children to 'less loud' films - i.e. ones with less explosions! - would be a nice way to introduce them. Disney films in particular would surely be a nice introduction to the cinema.

One issue I do have though - younger kids definitely can interrupt the viewing of other patrons. Such things are to be expected at, say, the matinee of an animated film, but parents who allow their children to run amuck in non-child friendly screenings should really try and get the kids to calm down, or take them outside. That's why I totally approve of parent and child screenings, like the ones in the IFI or my local arts centre (Mermaid in Bray).

johnny_ultimate

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

I'm interested in your side of the debate Darko, but there really isn't any need for such sarcasm and unhelpful posts. Same goes for aleybert!

I wasn't trying to be sarcastic, I've just got a little tired of the constant knee jerk reactions to issues such as this with people seeming to think that if kids enjoy something the parents should indulge them. I know the comparison is a little drastic but at the end of the day repeated exposure to cinema, gigs, etc at an early age can seriously affect a child in latter years. It's not simply a case of me being a joy kill.

I've always thought that the people who say "oh take them if they enjoy it" would be the kind of people who would sue the cinema chain if they discovered that the cinema was the cause of their child's hearing issues.

johnny_ultimate

Deleted User wrote: »

I wasn't trying to be sarcastic, I've just got a little tired of the constant knee jerk reactions to issues such as this with people seeming to think that if kids enjoy something the parents should indulge them. I know the comparison is a little drastic but at the end of the day repeated exposure to cinema, gigs, etc at an early age can seriously affect a child in latter years. It's not simply a case of me being a joy kill.

I've always thought that the people who say "oh take them if they enjoy it" would be the kind of people who would sue the cinema chain if they discovered that the cinema was the cause of their child's hearing issues.

I definitely think they health concerns should be flagged. Any hearing / sight issues are serious problems, and definitely worth mentioning in the debate. But your comparison was indeed a little drastic, just think your concerns would be much more appreciated without the slightly aggressive tone

hootietootie

We have been bringing my daughter to the cinema since she was 2, shes also been to a few gigs with us, but we do bring headphones. Never bring her in the opening few weeks, and we always see the film before her. We know our own cinema in town, and the volume of each screen(they do have different volumes) Shes been about 30 times in the last 3 years, and loves going. However speaking to some parents at school, lots of the kids have never been. A few went on a playdate to one childs house, and the mother thought it would be a great idea to bring them to the cinema-she brought 5 5 year olds to see Alice in Wonderland:eek:, it was the first cinema experience for all of them!!!!

Her hearing is perfect, but we dont bring her to see the really loud stuff-she has never cried or even talked through a film, she wont shut up til the ads start though:D

mrgardener

Deleted User wrote: »

I've always thought that the people who say "oh take them if they enjoy it" would be the kind of people who would sue the cinema chain if they discovered that the cinema was the cause of their child's hearing issues.

Theres a leap!!
Darko, this topic has obviously touched a nerve. Drink lots of warm milk, it helps me to relax.

ztoical

mrgardener wrote: »

Theres a leap!!
Darko, this topic has obviously touched a nerve. Drink lots of warm milk, it helps me to relax.

It's hardly leap, Darko has a very valid point, you find the parents who bring their kids to films without bothering to research them first then come and yell at the staff cus the film was too loud/too violent/too complicated/too rude[yes I know kids films with fart jokes and I got yelled at cus of course I made the bloody thing:rolleyes:] etc etc Having worked in a cinema for a number of years I've been gob smacked by some of the comments that come out of parents mouths. You see parents in the states blame fast food and advertising cus their kids are overweight and not the fact that they let their 5 year old eat french fries and burgers 7 times a week. Or the video game was too violent even though it has a giant sticker warning you of such on the box.

People aren't saying don't bring kids to the cinema just be aware and take 2 seconds to check the content of the film [which frankly parents should be doing anyway] to get an idea if it's going to be too loud for little ears. Just cus a film has managed to wangle itself a low rating doesn't mean it's kid friendly.

mrgardener

mrgardener wrote: »

Theres a leap!!
Darko, this topic has obviously touched a nerve. Drink lots of warm milk, it helps me to relax.

The topic didnt touch a never but in gemeral parents attitude to cinema, video games, etc and thier kids does. I remember when I was workign at the JDIFF and an father was isnistant that he be allowed to bring his 11 year old daughter in to see Palinddromes with him. It was repeatedly explained to him that to attend you must be over 18 and I told him that in no way was the content appropriate for a child that young, he simply refused to listen and was demanding to see the manager and that not allowing his daughter in was discrimination.

Recently I wen to see Kick Ass and there was kids aged about 6 and 8 there with their parents. Shortly after it started the parents quickly made a scene of leaving and saying "I can't believe they let my kids watch this filth". A friend of mine was working that night and told me that he had informed the parents that the film was inapproriate for their kids and that it was a 16s cert and as such he couldnt let the kids in. I don't know if they bought tickets for another films or what happened but after they left the screen teh woman was shouting and roaring at my friend over the films content and kept thretening to sue him.

While the cinema wrong to let the kids in it is the parents fault to ensure that that any content is fit for their kids, kinda like how so man parent rights groups attack titles such as the GTA series completely oblivious the the big 18s cert on the case.

mrgardener

Deleted User wrote: »

The topic didnt touch a never but in gemeral parents attitude to cinema, video games, etc and thier kids does. I remember when I was workign at the JDIFF and an father was isnistant that he be allowed to bring his 11 year old daughter in to see Palinddromes with him. It was repeatedly explained to him that to attend you must be over 18 and I told him that in no way was the content appropriate for a child that young, he simply refused to listen and was demanding to see the manager and that not allowing his daughter in was discrimination.

Recently I wen to see Kick Ass and there was kids aged about 6 and 8 there with their parents. Shortly after it started the parents quickly made a scene of leaving and saying "I can't believe they let my kids watch this filth". A friend of mine was working that night and told me that he had informed the parents that the film was inapproriate for their kids and that it was a 16s cert and as such he couldnt let the kids in. I don't know if they bought tickets for another films or what happened but after they left the screen teh woman was shouting and roaring at my friend over the films content and kept thretening to sue him.

While the cinema wrong to let the kids in it is the parents fault to ensure that that any content is fit for their kids, kinda like how so man parent rights groups attack titles such as the GTA series completely oblivious the the big 18s cert on the case.

I agree with everything you say. Any parent who brings their 6yr old to an unsuitable film is an idiot. That however, is a different topic. Not bringing your kid to a pixar/disney film for fear off them having their hearing ruined is a bit over the top imo.

Galvasean

mrgardener wrote: »

I agree with everything you say. Any parent who brings their 6yr old to an unsuitable film is an idiot. That however, is a different topic. Not bringing your kid to a pixar/disney film for fear off them having their hearing ruined is a bit over the top imo.

It might be a bit, or it might not be. Research conducted by the League for the Hard of Hearing in 2003 suggests that it may well be a risk. Even if the odds were quite small I would be inclined not to risk it. There's plenty of ways to keep a 3 year old entertained out there. They can wait another year or two for the cinema IMO.

mrgardener

mrgardener wrote: »

I agree with everything you say. Any parent who brings their 6yr old to an unsuitable film is an idiot. That however, is a different topic. Not bringing your kid to a pixar/disney film for fear off them having their hearing ruined is a bit over the top imo.

The thing you seem to have missed from my posts and others is that no one is saying children should never be taken to the cinema, rather moderation should be applied. Going to see the odd film is not a bad thing, but going on a regular basis could have serious implicatiosn in later life.

indough

there were people suggesting young children probably shouldnt be taken to the cinema at all

ToniTuddle

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

I'm sure bringing children to 'less loud' films - i.e. ones with less explosions! - would be a nice way to introduce them. Disney films in particular would surely be a nice introduction to the cinema.

The explosions are obviously loud but plenty of the other noises in the films can be just as loud or irrating and this is coming from a 24 year old!

What I can't stand is people bringing young babies to the cinema.
They shouldn't be allowed to simple as that.
Why on earth would you bring a 3 month old baby to the cinema?
Then they wonder why the hell the baby roars its head off.

hootietootie wrote: »

We have been bringing my daughter to the cinema since she was 2, shes also been to a few gigs with us, but we do bring headphones. Never bring her in the opening few weeks, and we always see the film before her. We know our own cinema in town, and the volume of each screen(they do have different volumes) Shes been about 30 times in the last 3 years, and loves going.

Her hearing is perfect, but we dont bring her to see the really loud stuff-she has never cried or even talked through a film, she wont shut up til the ads start though:D

30 times over 3 years?
She has seen more films than me in that space! :pac:

Personally I wouldn't take kids that young (I know she is now 5 but even so) to gigs. Surely there would be some relative that could look after them for the night? Wouldn't start taking them to the cinema until they were about 6 or 7. But that's just me.

ztoical

Deleted User wrote: »

The thing you seem to have missed from my posts and others is that no one is saying children should never be taken to the cinema, rather moderation should be applied. Going to see the odd film is not a bad thing, but going on a regular basis could have serious implicatiosn in later life.

+ 1 the point I was making was not to do with people taking kids to an unsuitable film but rather there are clear warnings given to people regarding the content of films which include flashing lights and noise yet you'll find some parents who ignore these warnings then their kids develop hearing issues and the parents will be straight down to the cinema to yell and scream at the cinema laying the blame for their childs hearing issue on the cinema and not their own poor judgment.

Everything in moderation. If I had kids they would be watching films from a young age cus [a] I adore film and myself, my brother and several close friends work in the film industry BUT at a young age they will be brought to the cinema only very rarely as a big treat and the rest will be dvd screenings. I recall my first cinema show at 3, I also know I didn't go the cinema again for nearly a year [to see the Gobots and the Rock Lords movie ] and then another 6 months before seeing the second Care Bears movie. I saw alot of other films in that time but on VHS. Gradually I built up to weekly cinema visits in my teens when I was old enough to go by myself.

The question here isn't wither young kids should be taken to the cinema but rather how often. Just cus they love it doesn't mean they should be brought every week. Kids love junk food but your not going to feed them junk food for every meal.

monkeyfudge

fitz wrote: »

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/3334793/Deafening-new-films-threaten-hearing-of-young-cinema-goers.html

That article is utterly stupid.

It's a study carried out in US cinemas and goes on and on about how sound levels breach UK and EU regulations. Because an article about cinemas here and how they stay within EU regulations wouldn't be the least bit interesting...

US audiences are stupidly loud though, so I can understand why they need to boost up the sound levels on the films.

fitz

Here you go:

http://www.cinemauk.org.uk/keyissues/soundlevels/

So, no real guarantees as to what the levels in the cinema are peaking at.
The level at which employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones is 85 decibels (daily or weekly average exposure) and the level at which employers must assess the risk to workers' health and provide them with information and training is 80 decibels. There is also an exposure limit value of 87 decibels, taking account of any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection, above which workers must not be exposed. So, 87 is the actual hard limit, as the other requirements are averages, but you could expect levels to peak up to 85-86db. And that's if they're sticking to regulations all year round and not just at inspection time.

80db is shouting level, or the same level of noise as a busy street. Would you shout at a 3 year old for 90 minutes and not worry about their hearing?

Keep in mind an increase of 1 db means the sound has twice as much energy, even though it will take us a 10db jump to perceive the sound as being twice as loud. So, while we'll hear 85 db as about half way towards being twice as loud as 80db, there's significantly more energy in the sound we're hearing. That's one of the reasons why noise is so risky in terms of hearing damage. You might not be aware it's happening because you perceive the increase slower than it happens.

All I'm saying is people need to be aware that it's a risk. One that's hard to quantify, certainly, but make an educated decision and find out a bit more.

hootietootie

ToniTuddle wrote: »

30 times over 3 years?
She has seen more films than me in that space! :pac:

Personally I wouldn't take kids that young (I know she is now 5 but even so) to gigs. Surely there would be some relative that could look after them for the night? Wouldn't start taking them to the cinema until they were about 6 or 7. But that's just me.

Her dad works with bands, and spends a lot of time away, so when he is near us for a show, sometimes she goes to see him. As I said we do have proper headphones for her, the big noise reducing ones that drummers wear, and she always wears them-its not big massive gigs, its to see a few bands during festivals and stuff. I would never bring her to see stuff like Transformers, or Ironman or loud loud films, and am shocked at the amount of people who bring kids who are terrified by the noises.(To add to how bad a parent I obviously am, she spends a fair bit of time on dropzones as well, but again she has her headphones and she gets to see people jump out of planes!!)

fitz

Friend of mine has a set of those cans for her daughter too...they're great. Protect the hearing while allowing them to enjoy the music...

Also, just because a movie has explosions and "loud action scenes" doesn't mean your typical animated feature isn't hitting similar levels.

hootietootie

fitz wrote: »

Friend of mine has a set of those cans for her daughter too...they're great. Protect the hearing while allowing them to enjoy the music...

Also, just because a movie has explosions and "loud action scenes" doesn't mean your typical animated feature isn't hitting similar levels.

I know it would be hitting the same levels, but we have our girls ears protected, but some kids leave genuinely terrified during films with explosions and the like. I wouldnt bring her to the cinema without something covering her ears. The kids in her class going to see Alice in wonderland did shock me though. I thought it was quite scary! I dont let mine watch anything unless I've seen it first-which is sometimes a bad idea as I have to watch the same bad film twice!!

Anakin.S

hootietootie wrote: »

I dont let mine watch anything unless I've seen it first-which is sometimes a bad idea as I have to watch the same bad film twice!!

Its the downside of being a responsible parent, my brother does the same for his son

aleybert

hootietootie wrote: »

I dont let mine watch anything unless I've seen it first-which is sometimes a bad idea as I have to watch the same bad film twice!!

So.... you would go to see "Chipmunks - The Squeakquel" at the cinema without your kids, just to see if its suitable?

hootietootie

aleybert wrote: »

So.... you would go to see "Chipmunks - The Squeakquel" at the cinema without your kids, just to see if its suitable?

No-I hate the chipmunks, so will wait for DVD, but I did watch te first one before I let her see it, wouldn't spend the money on the cinema!! I did see cloudy with a chance of meatballs, the frog and the princess one, and stuff like that by myself, and dragged himself along. My niece still gets nightmares about the little mermaid after seeing it-she's 8 and it terrifies her, she saw it when she was 6, so I always watch them to see. I know what scares my own, and she has seen a fair few films rated 12 and all, and loves the studio ghibli stuff-but only after I've seen it!!

cynder

Deleted User wrote: »

The topic didnt touch a never but in gemeral parents attitude to cinema, video games, etc and thier kids does. I remember when I was workign at the JDIFF and an father was isnistant that he be allowed to bring his 11 year old daughter in to see Palinddromes with him. It was repeatedly explained to him that to attend you must be over 18 and I told him that in no way was the content appropriate for a child that young, he simply refused to listen and was demanding to see the manager and that not allowing his daughter in was discrimination.

Recently I wen to see Kick Ass and there was kids aged about 6 and 8 there with their parents. Shortly after it started the parents quickly made a scene of leaving and saying "I can't believe they let my kids watch this filth". A friend of mine was working that night and told me that he had informed the parents that the film was inapproriate for their kids and that it was a 16s cert and as such he couldnt let the kids in. I don't know if they bought tickets for another films or what happened but after they left the screen teh woman was shouting and roaring at my friend over the films content and kept thretening to sue him.

While the cinema wrong to let the kids in it is the parents fault to ensure that that any content is fit for their kids, kinda like how so man parent rights groups attack titles such as the GTA series completely oblivious the the big 18s cert on the case.

I watched Total Recall, Terminator, Saigon, Sipan, Full Metal Jacket, Jean Claude van damme films and Steven Seagal films and all Arnold Schwarzenegger films, from the age of 9, i watched nightmare on elm st at 14...... My daughters favourite film at 2 and a half was mummy returns 2.... my 4 year old and 10 year old have seen avatar......my daughter from the age of 8 goes to the cinema and watches the 12a films and at home some of the 15 films but depends on content. All my kids age 3,4 and 10 have seen all 3 mummy films.

Its not like i ended up a serial killer from watching violent films, anyone seen tom and jerry lately? now thats violent............