to refuse to let DS (5) watch Spiderman movie?

[flimflammery]

My neighbours apparently asked him if he wanted to watch it with them. I went over to see if they were talking about a children's cartoon, but no, it was the live action movie (not sure if it was 1, 2 or 3). So I said no. Cue tears from DS. Thing is, he's prone to fighting at school already, I don't want to make things worse by exposing him to violence on screen. Just checked online and it was originally given a 12 certificate.

So am I being a mean spoilsport over-protective mum?

You're right, if it's the one I'm thinking of with the green goblin in, or whatever he was called. It was really violent at the end, it made me cringe. What are people thinking of, inviting a 5 year old to watch a 12 pg film without talking to the parents first?

YADNBU - if it was a 12 Cert in the cinema you are being a good mum by not letting your 6 year old watch it. Simples!

5 year old, sorry

It's hard though, when every other boy, even those much younger than 5, has a spiderman t-shirt or whatever.

It wasn't a 12 in the cinema it was a 12a. I remember when it came out and up until then 12a hadn't existed. The 12a was bought out specifically for this film because of it's appeal to children.
We did not let ds see it at the time at the cinema because I think he was about 5.

YANBU. All 3 films are too violent for small children, not to mention the themes of death, alienation, teenage angst etc.

I'm a massive Spidey fan, have been since I was about 5. But that was all from the Marvel comics and later with the cartoons.

I know it's difficult to say no, especially if it seems all the other kids are watching it. But the film is a cert 12. You did the right thing.

Of course YANBU. I stupidly listened to DD and got her a DVD of a film she'd seen at a sleepover. I must have been puddled at the time. When we got it home and started watching it, it wasl full of 'like fuck yeah' and 'she's like a realy dirty bitch'. I can't remember the name of it but it was a 12.
Inappropriate is inappropriate.

Oh god dont let him watch the one that is 12- think it is Spider-man 3
I didnt realise it was a 12 as he has watched cartoons that are U and PG, and the first one which is PG and DS (5) had nightmares for WEEKS about when the chap screams and and bit where the black oil slick thing goes over the persons face too
I was sat with him, and had no time to hit the fast forward button when I suddenly realised

We had the conversation after wards, that if he watched 12 films now, he would then watch 15 ones when he was 8 and then 18 films when he was 11 and then he would have nothing to look forward to

He really liked this logic for some reason, and refused to watch iron Man at his dad's after looking at the label. (Proud emoticon for that but ashamed for having messed up in the first place)

As has already been said, I think the film was 12A at the cinema. 12A doesn't get used for videos, they become 12. This means, for example, that your DC can watch Harry Potter at the cinema so long as you are with them, but not on the DVD in the comfort of their own living room.

I am suspicious of 12A films (for example, the Dark Knight), and tend to read reviews to check they're suitable for children. But if a film was 12A at the cinema and reviews suggest that it's OK, then my children can watch it as a 12 on DVD.

Actually, I've just remembered, my DC recently tried to buy Doctor Who DVDs in Poundland. Poundland correctly prevented them from buying the DVDs as they were rated 12. So the ratings can be a bit strange.

OH no this is completely sensible. Spiderman is terrifying for a five y o.

yes and totally inappropriate and boring too

there's hardly any swinging from the roof tops and just a lot of .. I don't know it's just not for five year olds

I know a lot of children who saw the films at preschool age and weren't traumatised -- sadly, I think many are quite desensitised to violence already by age 3-4. That said, I find them quite violent and graphic and I cannot understand why some people don't see all that, too. Most 5yr olds would be totally happy with Care Bears movies, for heaven's sake.

I'm appallled anyone would show their preschool age a film like that - my three year old is scared of monsters inc, i can't imagine how terrified he'd be of spiderman. You did the right thing!

i think you were right to listen to your instincts.

Do you let your 5yr old watch dr who or merlin (the tv series)?

I feel a bit less mean now, thanks.
Jeee: I looked up the rating, and it was originally 12 at the cinema, but then the 12 rating was scrapped (under pressure from the distributors/studios) for all films and replaced with 12A.

To be honest I have a bit of an issue with this particular neighbour. She also let her 5-yr-old watch Indiana Jones (remember the bit where the Nazis faces melt?) and Iron Man. And if it's not a movie it's some violent Japanese cartoon on cable tv.

Nordic: I haven't let him watch Dr Who yet, though I think that would be preferable to Spiderman. We're abroad so don't get Merlin.

YANBU.

Although I have to say I am happy to let my almost 5yr old DS wear a spiderman t-shirt or even a Ben10 one. It no way implies that I let him watch either or them on tv

I think you did the right thing. I, unthinkingly as I had watched the tame cartoon as a child, let my DS1 aged 5 watch the film and there was much more fighting than I expected. I haven't banned it now as that would make it more desirable but always distract him from it by plugging Toy Story and other more appropriate films.