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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think that no, actually, SS wont be interested that DS(3) watched Hellboy?

295 replies

Hellboy · 06/03/2012 10:09

DS (3) loves proper 'boy' films like Spiderman, Transformers, Batman, Starwars etc. He recently watched Hellboy at MILs and apparantly loved it. Ive bought it for him and he has watched it a few times (Ive vetted it and there is one scene that I think might be a bit too grisly for him so I fast forward past this bit). Apart from this one scene to me its no different to Spiderman and all the other 'hero' type films and there is no swearing (apart from a few craps)

My friend (whose DS also watches Spiderman, Batman etc) has said that if DS goes into nursery going on about Hellboy, then they will call SS as its a sign that we are letting him watch inappropriate films Hmm as its a horror film (its classed as a PG-13, Spiderman is a 12 so to me there isnt much difference)

I take my lead from DS, and I do think there may be a time when he will be more aware of what goes on in these films (eg. the idea that there is a hell, baddies that want to hurt us etc) so when that time comes I will of course take the lead from him again. But for now he loves the action bits, we have a right laugh together when we watch them and tbh its nice to not have to watch endless Chris and Pui (and we do turn it into a learning experience - what colour is Hellboy, how many baddies can you see etc Grin)

I dont want to start the age old debate of age limits for films etc, we are just talking about the usual films that most of the kids at his nursery have seen. My friend just thinks that me letting DS watch Hellboy is an invite to get SS involved

So, is she being ridiculous and hypocritical? Or am I being too laid back about what SS would get involved in?

OP posts:
CogitoErgoSometimes · 06/03/2012 10:22

She's being silly. SS don't have time to chase down every three year-old that might have seen an action movie. However, it's true that certificate PG 13 is not really suitable for a child that age. I'd put the action DVDs away until he's older and go back to the ones rated U.

Mrsjay · 06/03/2012 10:26

I think its a bit daft , however films can affect childen and often neglected children , which im sure your son isnt , are exposed to films and video games from a young age , SS do take this into consideration on child protection problems , But i dont think SS will be knocking at you door

SconeInSixtySeconds · 06/03/2012 10:31

It's not a choice I would make, but he is your ds and no I doubt that SS would, as an isolated incident, care.

However, imo there is a reason why there are kids films that they like to watch repeatedly, ie, they are at their emotional maturity level. Also might be worth considering that whilst they don't pick up on every nuance at this age that changes pretty rapidly. My ds would happily watch Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at 4.5, now at 6.5 he gets terribly upset by the Childcatcher and wants to fastforward it.

RachelWalsh · 06/03/2012 10:36

My son loves superheroes but he doesn't get to watch many of the superhero films because he is only 4 and the content is unfortunately not appropriate for him IMO(too violent, sexualised etc). We just have a blanket rule that he can't watch anything above a PG, which avoids any unnecessary hassle. He knows that PG means he may be able to watch it depending on what his parents say but he can't watch a 12, because he's not 12. He manages fine on comics from the shop, cartoons(the ones that are made for children) and the 1960s live action batman which is on ITV4 on weekdays. Despite not watching age in appropriate material he has an encyclopaedic knowledge of marvel and dc characters. He is well aware there are lots of other superhero films that are for grown ups which he will be able to watch when he's older.

I doubt social services would be interested but personally I don't think those films are appropriate for a 3 year old.

Boke at 'proper boy films' too.

maxcliffordslovechild · 06/03/2012 10:39

are you my DN Hellboy? She allows her DS 3 to watch Hellboy and he's a lovely litlle boy and does not seem affected by it at all. I think they see worse if they're allowed to watch the news tbh.

Original poster
Hellboy · 06/03/2012 10:43

Cogito - nooooo, dont make me go back to Toy Story! Starwars is a U, I guess I can live with watching that, although there are bits in that that make me surprised its only a U Confused

mrsJay and Scone - I did say to my mate that she would have a point if there are other indicators, but surely him just waffling about Hellboy wont be enough to flag anything up but she was sure it would (but Spiderman, which her DS also loves wouldnt, even though they have roughly the same level of baddiness IMO)

Also Scone I was the same, I used to be able to watch, funnilly enough, Starwars and then when I reached about 7 and Jabba the hut suddenly changed from being a funny fat slug to a horrible monster. I do know there will come a time soon that things he usually loves may start to bother him so will definitely look out for any signs.

Oh, shes just bothered me, think its more her being such a hypocrite than anything else.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hellboy · 06/03/2012 10:45

Oooh Max, its possible I guess, but I havent spoken to my Auntie for years, doubt she even knows I have a boy Sad but thats a whole other soap opera!

OP posts:
Original poster
Hellboy · 06/03/2012 10:46

Rachel - I didnt mean anything bad by "proper boy films", just used it to describe the sort of stuff he likes (although I love the same films, and Im not a boy) It was just a turn of phrase. He also likes wearing pink tutus and he has a doll and a buggy Smile

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 06/03/2012 10:49

They won't be interested but he is really too young for it.

maxcliffordslovechild · 06/03/2012 10:51

Doubt that you're my DN then Hellboy had a marathon phone call from her last week regarding her zombie plan and visited her last week. Do always wonder if she's on here though, might ask her...

Threeprinces · 06/03/2012 10:55

SS are very unlikely to care however age limits are there for reasons, they don't just make up an age and stick it on. Your 3 year old really shouldn't be watching 12s. I think only one of the spiderman's is a 12 and I didn't let my two see that until a lot older than 3!

ShirleyKnot · 06/03/2012 11:00

SS wouldn't be interested, but I think that allowing a 3 year old to watch films aimed at 12/13 year olds is irresponsible.

shinecrazydiamond · 06/03/2012 11:06

Agree with the others. SS won't be interested but it is a poor parenting choice to allow a little boy of 3 to watch this stuff - I have to limit my 5 year olds addiction to Power Rangers... anything classified as something for teenagers is an absolute no no.

desperatenotstupid · 06/03/2012 11:06

SS wont be remotely interested, but that doesn't mean that you should ignore the guidlines about the appropriateness of viewing material either.

Original poster
Hellboy · 06/03/2012 11:41

Im pretty comfortable with my parenting choices, as I say Star Wars are a U and to me they are no different to the likes of Spiderman etc. I dont like to put so much trust into age ratings when they are so hit and miss and not consistent, so I prefer to use my own judgement.

Glad to hear that others also think that SS have better things to deal with Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
Hellboy · 06/03/2012 11:43

Max - I dont have a zombie plan or an OFRS so it definitely cant be me

Have been watching The Walking Dead (not with DS before anyone asks Wink) and it has made me think that I do need to get one sorted though.

OP posts:
PandaWatch · 06/03/2012 11:47

Good grief has she even seen Hellboy? It's not a horror! It's a great film which is scary in parts, funny in others but also has a lot of strong moral messages (which your DS will probably only appreciate when older!). And is in no way scarier than the Star Wars films (arms being cut off? People being frozen in walls?) or Indiana Jones (faces being melted off?) and my nephews love them and have done since they were your DS's age.

Original poster
Hellboy · 06/03/2012 11:47

Three - all of the Spidermans are a 12, surprisingly. I cant understand why they arent just a PG, except maybe the 3rd one which is a bit dark in places IMO.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hellboy · 06/03/2012 11:52

Panda - no she hasnt seen it so it does make me laugh that she goes on about it and then puts Batman on for her DS straight after (hmmm electrocuted baddie turning into a meaty skeleton anyone?).

The only bit in Hellboy that IMO may be a bit much for DS is the bit where the baddie is laying on the table and you can see bits of his horrible eyes and mouth but as soon as it works up to that bit I just fast forward it. I also think its a cracking film so I was a bit pleased when DS really enjoyed it ha!

OP posts:
Original poster
Hellboy · 06/03/2012 11:55

Shock Have just looked Panda and Indiana Jones is a PG. Thats what I mean about ratings not being very reliable, I would never have thought that was only a PG and Spiderman can be a 12. Even Transformers is a 12 when I thought it woudl have been a PG Confused

I realise I am getting drawn into a ratings debate.....must......resist......

OP posts:
catgirl1976 · 06/03/2012 11:56

I wouldn't let a three year old watch it personally, but it's your choice. I am pretty sure SS would not be in the slightest bit interested. Its not a horror film - its on a par with XMen or something

Birdsgottafly · 06/03/2012 11:59

I don't think that you should be completely led by a three year old, but you did say that you watched it first and go fast through the scenes that are quite violent.

Comic book films aren't to bad, because they are fantasy, in terms of the characters don't look completely human, but you still have to approach caution.

Just because your child likes something doesn't mean it has to be watched weekly, it could be saved as a treat.

My DD has always liked Mummy and vampire films, i think that because it cannot be real, the effect is different, but you never know what can spark a fear, so for your own and your DS's sake, just be careful, otherwise you may end up creating a fear because he cannot fully process what he is seeing, which is the damger in young children.

Having said that look at the amount of clown fear that adults have, you never know what will upset a child.

akaemmafrost · 06/03/2012 12:01

Google The Bandura Experiment 1963.

Your child will be affected by what he is watching and I think Hell Boy is definitely inappropriate for a child of his age.

No SS are unlikely to be interested but YOU should be much more careful about what you allow your child to watch. I don't know why anyone would think this is ok Sad.

soverylucky · 06/03/2012 12:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Charliefarlie1192 · 06/03/2012 12:05

I dont think SS would be interested OP but I am shocked you let a 3yo watch Hellboy, I am very very liberal and yet wouldnt let my 6yo watch that