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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To prefer my 13 yo DD not to watch IT?

56 replies

Servalan · 08/01/2020 19:57

DD really wants to see this film. She’s 13, in year 9. I’m not keen, but don’t know whether I’m being too precious.

She’s watched Kickass numerous times - and last weekend watched The Joker, which is now her ‘favourite film’. I wouldn’t have wanted her to see these either, but her dad let her when she stayed with him, knowing full well I’d be unhappy with it.

She’s going to a friend’s after school tomorrow and the mother of the friend contacted me to ask if it’s OK to watch IT and I said I’d prefer them not to.

OP posts:
Aquamarine1029 · 08/01/2020 20:01

I think you're being precious.

Original poster
Servalan · 08/01/2020 20:21

To be fair, I’ve not seen the film - just what I’ve read about it sounds horrible...

OP posts:
m0therofdragons · 08/01/2020 20:24

Common sense media suggests 13. I think it depends on the cold but most kids would be fine at 13. I'm worse now I'm a mum with watching horror than I was in my teens!

OhMeows · 08/01/2020 20:27

I read it when I was 11, the book is far scarier. The film is just daft and jumpy.

veinticinco · 08/01/2020 20:28

She's 13 — you're being incredibly precious here.

Original poster
Servalan · 08/01/2020 20:51

Thanks folk who’ve replied - I think Common Sense Media says 15 but there’s kid and parents reviews of 13.

In terms of her being 13 - my issue is the film is 15 and that’s 2 years away - and 2 years ago she was very different in terms of maturity

But I am taking on board what folks say - not been parenting a teenager for that long! Smile

OP posts:
IHaveBrilloHair · 08/01/2020 20:53

It's really not bad and she's in Y9, you're being precious.
You know she'll watch it, and whatever else she wants to right?
Best to be open and encourage discussion.

Londonborncatty · 08/01/2020 20:55

I think I’m in the minority in that I won’t let me 13 year old watch it. I know it will bother them and can imagine sleepless nights following. I suppose it very much depends on the child. I personally don’t like this type of film, so I don’t feel they are missing out. I don’t think child murder Is really suitable for entertainment.

ThebishopofBanterbury · 08/01/2020 20:57

Year 9?! Would definitely let her. She will only watch it with friends or online otherwise.

Nextphonewontbesamsung · 08/01/2020 20:58

What is the official BBFC classification? My 16 year old son was telling me about it and I was completely horrified!

MissDollyMix · 08/01/2020 20:59

I’d watched it by the time I left primary school! It’s really not that bad at all! Just a few jumpy bits but it’s pretty tame and cheesy by modern standards.

dudsville · 08/01/2020 21:00

I don't know the film so what follows is pointless. I watched horror films as a child. My best friend got them somehow, but this was in the era of a main tv in the living room with the video player. We weren't shaking around, no one stopped us. I still to this day wish I hadn't seen them!!!

Binterested · 08/01/2020 21:00

DD watched it and it has given her nightmares. She’s 13 and not unduly sensitive.

Londonborncatty · 08/01/2020 21:00

Next it’s a 15.

Londonborncatty · 08/01/2020 21:03

Duds Same here. I really don’t think it benefits any child or young person to watch shocking violence. I also think it’s a cop out saying they will watch it anyway so let them. You could apply this principle to anything. Sometimes you have to make decisions as a parent that are not going to be popular.

DickDewy · 08/01/2020 21:07

She's at the exact age that they want to be scared!

Having said that, it's not particularly scary.

Sickofpineneedles · 08/01/2020 21:11

My eldest is 12 and I can honestly say I can't see me letting her watch it in less than a years time. She's very sensible and mature but would be jumpy for weeks if not months after.

People have different reactions to horror I don't watch it because I don't need to be made anxious for entertainment, but other people can watch a horror and enjoy the experience.

You know your child, my middle DD is HF autistic and there's not a chance she'll be watching it possibly ever (although that will be her choice).

CarolinaPink · 08/01/2020 21:13

Up to you, of course, but if it’s anything like the book I wouldn’t want a child of mine to watch. I’m almost old and I found it pretty foul.

Vulpine · 08/01/2020 21:14

I wouldnt

CarolinaPink · 08/01/2020 21:14

I meant the book, btw. Haven’t seen the film. I listened to the book on audio, and only kept going because it got to the point where I couldn’t believe how dreadful it was actually becoming, so decided to persist.

ClaireDendie · 08/01/2020 21:15

Eh, I would, by year 9 your used to the world being shit and horrifying so a movie won't phase most.

Jane1727 · 08/01/2020 21:16

I wouldn't allow a 13 year old to watch it either.

LolalolaLola · 08/01/2020 21:18

I haven't seen it so I don't know how bad it is, but I can say I watched the original when I was a kid and I wish someone had told me 'no'.

TheoriginalLEM · 08/01/2020 21:21

I wouldn't want my dd 14 to watch that. Not because its scary but it is sexually violent not appropriate at all. Would be quite happy for her to watch other SK stuff but she doesn't enjoy horror stuff so no interest.

Drizzzle · 08/01/2020 21:28

Different things scare different people. I wouldn't let a 13 year old watch it.