ds1 (8) going to party where the choice of DVDs are all 12/15 - what to do?

[DottyDot]

Aaarrgghhh...

Really not sure what to do on this one.

Ds1 is 8 and we pretty much stick to PG (sometimes 12) certificates for stuff he watches.

He's going to one of his best friend's party on Friday and they'll be watching a DVD. Apparently the choice is:

The Hurt Locker ()
Quantum of Solace
Casino Royale

So, he's never seen a James Bond (I thought these were both 15s but having looked them up they're 12As) and I definitely don't want him watching the Hurt Locker - way too grown up.

He's kind of a sensitive soul, but not overly wussy - but told us he doesn't want to watch anything that'll give him nightmares.

Bless - I feel genuinely stuck on this one - don't want him to feel like he's the one being wussy and maybe stopping the others watching a film - life's hard enough when you've got 2 mums who don't let you watch anything anyway.

But I feel cross/upset on his behalf that this is the choice and he's too young.

(disclaimer: I'm extremely pre-menstrual - am I making too much of it?! )

Yes. They won't watch anything - it'll be on in the corner and they'll all run round shouting and throwing E numbers - or is that worse?

Don't know anything about The Hurt Locker but would not worry about James Bond. I say that but admit that ds is 7 and is yet to see a James Bond, but he has seen bits of Zulu any several other black & white war films so I think he'd cope.

I think they're not appropriate for an 8yo. The Bond films are quite violent in a gritty relaistic way as well as the usual stunts and explosions, and I haven't seen the Hurt Locker but I would guess at graphic and realistic war, wounding and death scenes(?)

Weighing it up, yes, they probably won't watch an awful lot of any of them, so you could trust that this might happen... and the plot to Q of S is so bloody complicated they'll probably be too bored to watch it!

I know that's not much help... but I wouldn't be happy myself and I don't think you're overreacting. I'd find it difficult in your shoes too.

Oh, isn't one of those James Bond ones that awful one with the horrific torture scenes in it?

I'd be very unhappy about this tbh. Do you know the parents well?

yes - james bond is stripped naked and has his bollocks bashed with a weight on a rope

Is there anyway of checking that these are definitely the films on offer? Are the other boys the same age? I can't beleive that anyone would think these are appropriate for 8yos! what's wrong with Up?

Agree with Hullygully my dd(8) went to a party to watch a dvd, although it was 17again, but when she got home they hadn't watched they faffed about on their ds's ate pizza and messed about

I really don't think they will sit and watch it

I would say no. Whether they will watch or would mess around isn't the issue. They are inappropriate and I wouldn't trust a parent who offers them with my child tbh.

don't let him go

they are all inapporpirate for a 10 year old let alone an 8 year old

tell the host that you're really sorry but the film choices make you feel uncomfortable and he won't be able to attend

We watched The Hurt Locker last week it is inappropriate for children

Never heard of Hurt Locker.

Def not suitable for a group of 8 yr olds. I would not be happy with my ds watching those

• and nor would he!

Hard though to know what to do. Do u know the mum well enough to say you are not happy? My sis let's her dcs watch stuff & play games that I dont let ds see but he and his cousins know what they can do when we are there - and ds happy to say if he is not keen on something.

Completely inappropriate. Maybe Casino Royale - but DEFINITELY not the other two - especially the Hurt Locker.

I do find it a bit hard to believe that these are really the films on offer - are you sure someone's not winding your ds up?

I think that they are totally inappropraite for 8 yr old party- there are loads of other films out there at the moment that they could watch.

if the parents let their kids watch films like this then its up to them but should not be suggested for party.

Next year it will be a 9yr old party with pole dancers !

The Hurt Locker is rated a 15 according to Odeon website .

I think they are really inappropriate films to show 8 year olds.

I haven't seen The Hurt Locker but the clips shown at the Baftas indicate to me that it's an adult film with adult themes and content. I'm not overly precious with my children but I don't want them watching films that are targeted at adults.

Can you call the parents and check that they are really planning to show those films? It might be wishful thinking on behalf of the birthday boy!

Sorry to leave the thread - just had a friend round.

Hilariously, dp texted the boy's mum to check on the films - she just asked what the choices were to check whether ds1 had got it right.

These are the choices she came back with:

Up
Alvin and the Chipmonks 2

Fantastic - so, ds1 will be mightily relieved and I think the birthday boy might be in trouble with his other friends (and his mum!) for promising James Bond/Hurt Locker

That's funny .

I know - I feel a bit for believing ds1 (who believed the boy) but am really relieved and glad we texted the Mum

That's so funny
Phew!

Was beginning to think the party was round at my BIL's house, who lets his 5 yo ds watch Gladiator ...

pmsl at the birthday boy wanting The Hurt Locker and getting Alvin and the chipmonks!!

I know!!

PMSL!
That is so funny.

I'm relieved for you and ds!

LOL!!!

But unfortunately there are some households where they would show the over 12s films to young children.

You are absolutely sure that they are going to be watching Alvin and the Chipmunks supervised downstaira and not last Tango in Paris (showing my age there) upstairs in the birthday boy's bedroom.........?

A bit of a contrast !

Does this birthday boy have older siblings ? To tell you the truth my 9yr old wouldn't know anything about the film Hurt Locker and wouldn't even know the James Bond film titles !

One dissappointed birthday boy but a good result