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Should I let my 3 year old watch scary movies?

Toddlers and young children who watch violent movies, including Halloween horror films, television shows or video games may be more likely to develop anxiety, sleep disorders, and aggressive and self-endangering behaviors.
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Can toddlers watch scary movies?

While there is no absolute age at which scary movies are appropriate, Dr. Dry recommends not introducing them to very young children because of the potential to create long-term anxiety.
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Is it OK to let kids watch scary movies?

Your child asking to see a scary movie is another sign that they could be ready, but parents should approach it slowly, keeping in mind the child's age, developmental level and the rating, themes and other factors of the film. The key is to not overwhelm kids with fear, especially age-inappropriate fears.
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What effects do horror movies have on toddlers?

After being exposed to these horror contents, your child is more likely to experience negative effects such as: Difficulty sleeping. Having nightmares. Fear of the dark, anxiety.
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At what age should children start watching horror movies?

By the time children reach school-age, about 5-7 years old, they have a great understanding of the difference between fantasy and reality and are more likely to be ready to try a very mild scary movie.
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Should a Christian watch scary movies/horror movies?

Is it normal for 4 year olds to like scary movies?

Getting into scary stuff at a young age isn't usually cause for alarm, Scrivner said – young horror fans are braver than most children their age, to be sure, but they're really just exploring the complexities of their world, which is scary enough in real life.
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How do I help my child after watching a scary movie?

"Have her draw the new scene, talk about it in as much detail as possible, and how it would change the end of the movie and why it would be better. Stick up that new positive picture, or put it somewhere she can just see it when she wants to.
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Why does my toddler want to watch scary movies?

“Kids might be into scary movies because they enjoy the rush of adrenaline they feel, or because scary movies are a safe and manageable way to explore their fears, or because they're curious, or because they like the social bonding that comes along with scary experiences.
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What are the negative effects of watching scary movies?

Watching horrific images can trigger unwanted thoughts and feelings and increased levels of anxiety or panic, and even increase our sensitivity to startle-eliciting stimuli, making those of us who are anxious more likely to respond negatively and misinterpret the sensations as real threats.
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Do horror movies desensitize kids?

On a neurological level, during the scary or suspenseful scenes in horror movies, there is increased activity in the amygdala, the part of the brain that deals with emotions, in this case, fear. Under more serious circumstances, horror movies can cause PTSD or desensitization.
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How do you get rid of fear in children's mind?

How to help
  1. Help your child talk about what's frightening him. Kids may know what they're scared of, but they don't always have the words to explain. ...
  2. Validate, then move on. Once you know what the fear is, let your child know you're taking it, and him, seriously. ...
  3. Make a plan. ...
  4. Offer encouragement, and be patient.
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How do you talk to kids about scary movies?

Talking to Kids About Scary Movies
  1. Stay calm. ...
  2. Validate. ...
  3. Observe their actions and body language during intense or emotional parts of the movie. ...
  4. Ask if they have any questions about what they just saw. ...
  5. Be honest, but give age-appropriate information or detail. ...
  6. Redirect. ...
  7. Spoiler alert: Most kids don't care about spoilers.
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Why is my 3 year old obsessed with monsters?

Kids seek out the monster for a simple reason: A jolt of fear escalates regular play into an exhilarating drama. Thrilling, high-stakes play allows kids to push their boundaries without the risk of real danger.
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Can a 3 year old watch Nightmare Before Christmas?

Common Sense Media suggests the film is suitable for children aged 7 and older (parent and kid reviewers on the site unilaterally agree, which is somewhat rare on the site).
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Is Stranger Things OK for kids?

Those ratings may differ from the show's overall rating or mature content themes.” “Stranger Things” is one of few Netflix Original Series that is TV-14. Movie Guide reports that 61% of its series are rated as TV-MA.
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Can scary movies cause trauma?

Your Brain: Horror movies can trigger a reaction in those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. In rare instances, watching these films can also cause PTSD.
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What is the negative effects of horror stories on children?

It is true that many children and adolescents are drawn to horror movies, It is equally true that many of these same children experience negative effects of trouble falling asleep, nightmares, fear of the dark, anxiety, increased feelings of vulnerability and increased concerns about possible (and sometimes unlikely) ...
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Can horror movies cause Nyctophobia?

Nyctophobia can also develop after watching a scary movie or hearing an upsetting story. You (or your child) may replay these frightening images in your head. And if it's too dark to see around you, you may worry that the fear-provoking objects are real.
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Is Moana too scary for toddlers?

In addition to the violent scenes mentioned above, Moana has some scenes that could scare or disturb children under five years. For example: Because Maui stole the heart of the islands, the islands begin to die. They turn black and start to crumble.
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Why is my toddler obsessed with Halloween?

There are many reasons tots might get attached to these types of images, from having a really great time on Halloween to getting the sense that spookier books, shows, and games are somehow more grown-up. And finally, toddlers, like all people, can get a taste for being a little scared as a way of processing emotions.
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Is it normal for toddlers to say violent things?

Most two year olds do experiment with aggression because they are still learning to control themselves. You are right to want to nip this in the bud, but please know that it is completely normal. Many studies have shown that hitting kids, even to show them that hitting hurts, only perpetuates more hitting.
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Is Gremlins OK for kids?

Gremlins was one of the movies that prompted the addition of a PG-13 rating, for what it's worth. If your younger kids are ok with scary, creepy stuff (say they love Stranger Things), then you can probably go as young as 10 for Gremlins. But we think it might be best for kids 12 and up.
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What to do if your child sees something scary on TV?

When watching something that might frighten kids, reassure them that you will turn it off if they find it too scary. Help your kids pick media that is age-appropriate and has heroes and heroines who are confident and can be seen managing their own fear.
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What to do after watching a really scary movie?

Change the mood with a happy movie

Try to replace your feelings of angst and fear with joy. Distract yourself from anxiety or uneasy thoughts after the movie by watching something light-hearted afterward. This could be anything from comedy to sports to romance.
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Is it OK to scare a 4 year old?

Horror movies and haunted houses can work for kids — and are especially worth trying for those with anxiety — but only if done the right way.
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