that if you drop off your child to see a 12a cert film with their mates, that they should all be 12 or over

[SNoraWotzThat]

and not to find that some have taken their younger siblings along, who are clearly 8 years old.

12a - If you are under 12 you must be with an adult 18 years or over.

They should be, yes. I'd hang around to make sure they were let in

I did pop backin to see if they got tickets OK, I noticed that the 12 year old had told the younger 2 to wait to the side while she got the tickets. When she came back to the group, I explained why I was concerned because of the 12a rule, but all I got was we've done it before, it's not a problem.

I'd be surprised if the cinema let the younger ones in if no adult was present.

Well they must have got in, I didn't here otherwise, I have got to go back soon to pick my dd up. Should I say something to the other mum? It looked like younger sibling had taken a friend.

sorry - didn't hear otherwise

Perhaps you should report the cinema (not sure who to though) as they are clearly not adhering to the film ratings if they let the younger children in.

was it Indiana Jones?

Our cinema always checks the ages of unaccompanied children buying tickets for 12A films.
I'd speak to the cinema manager.

YABU.

yabu if its not your child should it really be your choice? its upto the parents of the younger siblings to decide weather or not a 12 film is suitable for thier younger dc's.

it hasnt affected your dc in anyway so i dont think that should be bothered by it.

yes the 'a' stands for advised AND accompanied

the cinema could quite easily throw the entire group out

micci, of course it is up to the parents to decide if it is suitable for children younger than 12.

That is why the parent has to be there to see the film with their child!

The cinema is obliged to ensure that the film classifications are adhered to.

micci - you see the law says under 12's have to have an adult (18 yrs or over) with them to get it to see a 12a cert at the cinema. dd as part of the group who were meeting up, should not take the responsibility for the absent parent, who by law should accompany under 12's to a 12a cert film.

And as twig says they all could have been turned away, or thrown out. I could have left her and not know they couldn't get in.

And who is to say that the parents are aware that their under age children are being taken to see a 12A film? I really don't adhere to the ethos that what happens to other people's children is nothing to do with me. That way lies potentially damaged or abused children.

but surely the cinema would only throw out the ones with the younger siblings? and if they are only 8 thier parents must be aware of where they are. and they would have just gone to watch another film?

all i am saying is that it is upto the parents to make the decision as long as it is not affecting your dc it shouldnt concern you. if you think that the other parents may not know then phone and check.

of course i wouldnt ignore some one elses child if i thought that they were in danger or abused or neglected in any way, but at what age they watch certain films is the choice of the parents.

yes the cinema are wrong letting them in but i think most cinemas ignore this rule a lot. but that is something that you should take up with the cinema not the other parents.

I don't think it is any of your business. Clearly the responsibility of an irresponsible parent. Like there are many of those around. Why does it bother you ?

I'm going to give the parent the benefit of the doubt and they might have thought it was a pg certificate. i will ask them when I next see them.

If the parent did know it was a 12a, and they had no intention, of going to watch the SAME film with the younger ones, that is their choice, but clearly not the right choice.

What does the '12A' certificate mean

Children under the age of 12 will be able to see a ?12A? film at the cinema if they are accompanied by a person of 18 years or over. The adult must watch the film with the child or children and not just pay for the ticket.

I have spoken to the cinema manager, who was very good and thanked me for the call. She told me she's had to deal with a few very unhelpful parents all day, trying to drop under age children off to watch the film and told me she got some verbal abuse from one dad, who thought she was being unreasonble and should bend the rules. Poor woman.

I bet she was delighted you rang too then!

She was, because I was very calm and I'm lovely and didn't rant at all

Actually, I've always had this silly secret dream of running a cinema. Playing really great all time classic films and having a trendy bar and really doing things for the community (dunno what exactly). Ah, it would be lovely. You'd all come.

PuppyMonkey that sounds nice

Oooh yes I'd come. You could show the community great classic films - that would be "something" for them!

Actually I think YABU.

They are not your children. They were not engaging in dangerous and life treatening behaviour. They were going to see a film that at best they might have found a bit scary. They will survive.