to take 5yo ds to see a 12A film?

[LittleLionMansMummy]

The film being the new Star Wars one. I know I'm officially 'allowed' to, but would usually check film content (by watching it) before making a decision about whether it's appropriate for him. He loves Star Wars and has asked specifically to see it at the cinema.

[LoveActuary]

I use the common sense media app / website to get detailed info on films, this might help: www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/star-wars-episode-vii-the-force-awakens

The internet movie database website also has a parents' guide to each movie with details of language, violence, scary bits, etc.

[lynniep]

well I'm taking the just turned 6 year old on Saturday along with the nearly 9 year old. I think this is has to be the exception to the rule, as normally I wouldn't. I'm not sure he'll manage the whole thing at over 2 hours either, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I haven't let them watch the Marvel films because I think that they are a bit too much (I'd probably let the older one watch it at a friends house) He's actually very good at guaging (damn I can't spell that) whether something is too 'scary' for him or not so if it gets a bit much he can cuddle in or I can take him out. A lot of stuff like swearing goes past his head, and there are unlikely to be 'adult' scenes (they don't have time for hanky panky I wouldn't have thought ) so its the violence I'm most concerned about.

[LittleLionMansMummy]

Thanks for that link Love - very helpful. I'm less concerned about him being scared (the more scary the better as far as he's concerned!) but he's going through a particularly empathetic phase which resulted in him recently being reduced to tears when we watched Inside Out. And taking a while to get over it. So I am more concerned about the emotional side I think.

[DisappointedOne]

DH is taking just-5 yr old DD tomorrow.

[MrsClusterfuck]

I'm taking 4 year old (almost 5) DD to see it and I wouldn't usually take her to a 12a film. She's well versed in the Star Wars films and really wants to go, but I've booked seats at the end of the aisle at the front so if she gets scared I can take her out without bothering other cinema goers.

The BBFC website is also a good one to look at if you need to gauge whether or not he'll be ok.

[Holstein]

We're going to see it. If it's too scary, we'll leave. DS has been looking forward to this for months. He knows its 12A, and we've discussed the implications. He is a sensible chap, and if he's unhappy, he'll let us know. (He's 6).

[DisappointedOne]

DD is massively into Star Wars but reading that comminsensemedia article has me a little worried.

[Blacktealeaves]

I tried it with a 12a film when DD was 5 and she was scared. We had to leave. I'd misjudged the film a bit though, and that it would be scarier in cinema.

Would take her to starwars now aged 7 if she wanted to go, but not sure it is her thing.

[CassieBearRawr]

I wouldn't, 12's are generally not suitable for 5 year olds and ime many can't sit still and focus on it. But you know your child better than anyone here.

[redskybynight]

If a 12A film were suitable for 5 year olds it would be given a PG certificate.

I accept I am in the minority of parents I know though, who seem to think that a 12A is just a "slightly more scary/sweary/violent" PG.

The film categorisations are there for a reason. Remember 12A used to be categorically no under 12s - the relaxation was brought in on the basis that some children are more mature and ready who are not yet 12. Children don't get to this stage at 5.

[wonkylegs]

We made the judgement call that although 7yo DS wouldn't be scared and is a massive Star Wars fan - it's got a bit to much fighting and killing for 7 so he can wait and watch lego Star Wars in the meantime. I may have considered it if he was 10 but not 7, he's only a child once, I'm sure he'll get to see lots of violent unsuitable films when he's old enough.
We're going to see it when he's at the Panto with Grandparents so he doesn't feel like he's missing out.

[yakari]

DCs have watched a variety of 'older' films since they were young but sometimes the big screen can be too scary. I've let them watch stuff on a plane that there is no way I'd let them watch in the cinema. But equally we've done others at the cinema.
We are taking them - 7 and 9 year olds - this weekend but booked on the end of an aisle and agreed who goes out if either of them gets upset or twitchy.
If you are prepare to leave then fine but don't ruin it for others with an upset or pour 5 year old.

[CloakAndJagger]

I won't be taking my 6 & 9 yo to see it. If it was OK for younger children, it'd be a PG, but it's not.

[Kaytee1987]

I think 5 is too young, you know your child best but I think a 12A would be suitable for a mature 9/10 year old (girls especially can be very mature at this age) but not at 5.

[Kaytee1987]

On the other hand a lot of 'adult' content could completely go over a 5 year olds head and wouldn't affect him as much as say a 7 year old.

[Tamponlady]

poster redskybynight Wed 16-Dec-15 12:43:45

Totally agree it's unlikely a 4 years old would even understand what's going on in any meaningful this is a clear case of parents wanting there children to see this

And little kids in films that are not for little kids is why I would only ever go and see and 18 now

[TaliZorah]

It's fine.

[TaliZorah]

Tampon just go at night, there won't be loads of kids there...

[SoWhite]

I'd wait for the DVD. Potential scares are much less effective in your own, safe setting.

Agree with pp - If it was fine, it would be a PG.

[MarmiteAndButter]

I would have mutiny if I refused to take my 7 year old tomorrow. She is much more excited about this than Christmas 🙄
The only problem I think we will have is she won't be able to read the initial words so we have already decided DH will whisper them in her ear at the start.
Forward planning 😂
I may veto her going in full Jedi costume with light saber though...

[LucyInTheSkyWithDonuts]

It's not fine, 12A means parental descretion that some children under 12 will be fine with content. There is no way I would take a 5 year old to a film aimed at teenagers. Films are far scarier and louder in a cinema.

[TaliZorah]

12s are tame. Harry Potters are 12s and are generally "family films".

[Tamponlady]

Children are not massive Star Wars fans they are fans of the figures and cartoons that are aimed at children a 4 year old is not a massive fan of anything possibly Father Christmas


My 3 year old loves my sons batman action figure loves the out fit and points anything out bat related I won't be talking her to see batman vs superman it's unlikely she will understand what is going on and would much prefer snoopy

As deep down most of the children who are being caught up in there parents excitement

It cinema will be full of mostly moaning kids after about 20mins of getting bored with the adult theams a dialogue and not knowing what the heck is going on I would really love to do a test and see snoopy vs Star Wars asking the children what they understood of the plot and measure the fidget factor

[Tamponlady]

poster TaliZorah


Teenagers on there I phones or chatting I won't do it just 18s going to the pictures is very pricey

[atticusclaw2]

talizorah 12s are not tame at all. Mine are star wars obsessed (10 nearly 11 and 8 nearly 9,) and we have only just relented and let them watch star wars number 3 due to how horrible it is when anakin gets burned and he murders the Younglings. They were both quite shocked even though we told them it would be scary, were right there to cuddle them and they knew what was coming due to having numerous star wars books etc.

DSs are getting tickets for christmas but we thought very carefully about it. We don't usually let them watch films above their age rating until we've watched them in advance. 5 is way too young and a bit pointless since a five year old presumably won't have seen the other films yet (plus its really inconsiderate to take very little children to a film others have paid a lot to see and don't want to have disrupted).