Guidelines for Parents: Is My Child Old Enough for This Movie?

Betsy Bozdech of Common Sense Media gives Cricket’s Circle some tips on determining whether your child is old enough to understand and appreciate a movie.

The most important factors to keep in mind: (1) Do your homework — just because a movie is rated PG or because you vaguely remember seeing it as a kid or because it is animated or their friends have seen it does not mean it is right for your child. (2) Know your child — just because your other child was fine with it at this age does not mean that this one will be. Remember that sometimes the greatest gift you can give your child is cover so they don’t have to be the ones to tell their friends they think it’s too scary.