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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to not let my dd9 watch 12 films

84 replies

gobletsofmadness · 02/06/2021 09:36

Apparently I'm the only mum in her class who wont let DD9 (nearly 10) watch 12s. They are all also watching programmes like His Dark Materials (which I thought was a bit scary!) Am I alone in this? Do you let your 9/10 year olds watch 12s?

For context DD has active imagination and used to get terrified of lots of PG films/have nightmares etc. To be fair she is much better now than she was, so am happy to be told this is clouding my judgement and I am BU. Smile

OP posts:
sunnysidegold · 02/06/2021 10:06

I use the common sense media guide if I have t seen the film myself as it is quite reliable about the themes and content.

As others have said it depends on the film. My ten year old has seen a lot of the Marvel and star wars films with his dad and a lot of those are 12 rated.

Sirzy · 02/06/2021 10:06

I use the website common sense media to help make decisions on a case by case basis

ineedaholidaynow · 02/06/2021 10:04

Under 12s are allowed to watch 12 rated films though aren’t they. At the cinema they have to be accompanied by an adult.

DS used to get scared/upset by films so took longer than most of his peers to watch 12 rated films and equivalent tv programmes, but was watching some before he was 12.

Maybe use the website Common Sense media to check the content and build up gently.

Halliabaloo · 02/06/2021 10:03

Need to judge on a film by film basis.

Oh the bloody video games!

This a public service announcement!
If you are saying yes to roblox and fortnite below the recommended age you will have a much harder time saying no to COD and GTA for younger teens.

hauntedvagina · 02/06/2021 10:01

Several of the Harry Potter films are 12a and I've let a 7 year old watch them.

I suppose it's much about the content of the film. Would I let a 9 year old watch a 12 with sex scenes? No. Swearing that they know they're not allowed to repeat? Yes. Unnecessary violence? No. Challenging topics like death? Yes, but with a pre warning of what's to come.

I wouldn't let a younger child watch a 12 I hadn't watched myself.

AlmostSummer21 · 02/06/2021 09:59

Depends on the film & the child.

Riddo · 02/06/2021 09:55

I didn't let DD watch films until she was the age of the certification. She had nightmares frequently after watching anything slightly scary or disturbing.

You know your child best. Don't be swayed by "everyone else is allowed to..." because it's almost certainly not accurate!

Foobydoo · 02/06/2021 09:43

I usually either watch first myself to judge or read the parents guide on the film as it really does depend.
For example I let dd age 9 watch mean girls as she was having friendship issues and I thought it would be good for her to have insight into girl friendship dynamics.
She doesn't really ask to watch anything scary though.
I know some of her friends have watched pennywise which is a massive no way from me! The majority of the parents are sensible though.
It seems to be more unsuitable video games that parents are lax about round here.

dementedpixie · 02/06/2021 09:43

It depends on the film tbh. Yes I probably would (and did) let my kids watch films with a rating above their age