to think reception class should not have been shown How To Train Your Dragon?

[ForkieForkie]

DS, in reception year, watched How to Train Your Dragon in school last term. He told us this when it came up recently.

I'm not bothered enough to make an issue of this but I wondered if anyone else had thoughts.

Its a PG film which BBFC would not consider universally suitable for under 8 year olds. I would usually refer to commonsensemedia website before showing DS anything we haven't already watched. I find their guides really helpful. They rate it as an age 7 film, giving what sound like good reasons.

I don't think a reception class should be shown a film other than "U" certificates, as the levels of emotionally maturity will vary so much.

AIBU and overprotective to consider this poor judgement by the school?

I think yabu about this particular example. How to train your dragon is perfectly acceptable for reception.

I am surprised that they didn't do permission slips though. Dds class did for frozen so would have thought it was standard practice for film showing.

I think it's very poor judgement and unsuitable.

You should never show children full films outside the age range allowed if you're in a school. Fine to use suitable clips to illustrate something they're learning but not full films.

Probably a lot safer than them not knowing how to train their dragon. Inadequately trained dragons can be dangerous. In fact, injuries from inproperly trained/controlled dragons are amazingly common, and a major drain on the NHS.

Personally I think yabu. You trust their judgment to look after your child 5 days a week, so why not on this issue. My 4 year old saw it last year. Nothing scared him and he can be a bit sensitive. I am sure a teacher had seen it and considered the children in the class before showing it.

If you have only just found out, it obviously didn't upset him, so don't really see what the problem is.

Yep, poor judgement. I teach in year 1 and we really wanted to watch How to Train Your Dragon as part of our dragon topic. We didn't because it's a PG.
I'm sure that the children would have loved it, and most parents would have been happy, but we only show U films for the younger classes.

I would have expected a school to send out a note to parents if they were thinking of showing a PG.

My DCs school always text us if they are planning to show a PG to children. Then parents can withdraw permission if they wish to do so.

Yes. YABU.

It's a children's film. For children.

PG movies are not allowed in my dc school. I thought that was a bit heavy handed tbh.
I didn't know about the age recommendations though. There is a big difference between a 5 yo and an 8 yo.

We don't show any films at school that are above a U rating. I don't think YABU at all.

Wait till secondary school, they seem to care even less about age ratings on films. dd watched woman in black at age 13 during English lessons at high school and the school never mentioned it despite it being a 15

I complained when they showed Chicago to year 7's and got a very sensible apology from the school.

Probably a lot safer than them not knowing how to train their dragon. Inadequately trained dragons can be dangerous. In fact, injuries from inproperly trained/controlled dragons are amazingly common, and a major drain on the NHS

Very sound advice.
You also better hope your DC can't operate the TV remote as How to train your dragon is now a series on CBBC.

I'm in MIL's, sitting in the garden. We're both reading. She asked me what I was reading on my ipad. I replied "oh just a thread on mumsnet about how to train your dragon." She just replied "you don't need to train me Meggy we get on just fine dear". This is one reason why love her, her sense of humour is brilliant.

We don't even show pgs in year 5

shewept my point is exactly that I trust them with my child 5 days a week, hence the disappointment when I think they exercise poor judgement.

Many kids films are not suitable for all kids, hence the difference between ratings.

And not sure the fact he didn't mention it earlier means anything. He tells us more than most kids do but kids this age are notorious for telling parents little about school.

Interesting to know others school's policies.

Yanbu.

Ds class p2 were shown how to train your dragon 2 before the Easter break, a lot of kids have fathers in the fishing industry - rural community so many dads are away. This film was chosen for p2-7. P1 had Paddington also left parents a bit annoyed.

Not going to spoil the second film but it left ds heartbroken, completely inconsolable. I was very cross with the school. Not just me many other parents felt the same, lots of upset kids.

School sent a letter out, got it last week. Very straight forward apology and now they will have a choice of film to be selected by parents. No pg certificate for any children under p4.

I understand your anger op. I would speak to the school and ask if they could review their movie policy.

Meggymoo your mil sounds ace!

I don't feel I can complain. I'm keeping my head down after a heated discussion with the head about Little Red Riding Hood!

Hmm, as far as the school is concerned yes, they should definitely have sent home consent letters for a PG. My youngest is in Y2 and went to see Dragon 2 for his 6th birthday last year. Haven't most kids seen the first one at home by now anyway? It was on at Christmas wasn't it?

As a pp said though, wait til secondary school. DD (13) watched 12 Years A Slave at school this year as they were looking at the slave trade. She said the screen was turned off at the worst parts (rape, beatings) but the sound was on. Parents were not informed and students were not given the option of not watching. DD was very upset by the film. I've avoided it myself due to the content and I was angry that it was forced on Y8 kids.

Personally, I think a graphic film such as that and Woman in Black are much more of an issue than How to Train Your Dragon, but the school should have checked with parents.

dd's secondary school are pretty good. Her class were given an end of term prize of a dvd and popcorn session. The children were allowed to bring in films from home for their friend's to vote on

She's year 7 and the class were only allowed U or PG as half of them are still 11. She said they won't be allowed to see a 12 rated film until next year.
I'm hoping they apply the same rules for films or film clips that are used as part of lessons.

yes please give the details re little red riding hood