Horror Movies

Horror Movies
By CWK Network Producer

“What happens is when these films become so realistic, the kids have more trouble distinguishing between ‘oh, that’s a frightening film’ and this is something that could really happen.”
— Dr. Robert Simmermon, Psychologist

Movie producers are scheduled to release more than 30 expected big box office horror movies in 2010 mostly geared toward teens. Horror films have been a popular genre for teens for years. But with new technologies they are more graphic, realistic, and accessible than ever before.

There’s terror. Violence. Blood and gore. This new decade of horror movies seem scarier — and more real – than ever before. How is this impacting our kids?

“It seems like it’s more real to life, even though most of that stuff… it won’t really happen,” says nine-year-old Maria Granros.

And while many of these films are restricted to older teens, the advertisements are not.

“I’m seeing them on MySpace and like on Facebook and stuff,” says Sarah Shelden, who is 15.

“On YouTube sometimes,” says 10-year-old Hayden Herring.

“Yeah, some of it is, like, um, it’s just really graphic, like with the knife and the blood splattering everywhere,” adds Sarah.

Experts say for some kids, the horror may be too much, too soon.

Dr. Robert Simmermon, a psychologist, says there absolutely is a time that’s too early to expose children to vivid violence, particularly because of the reality with the new technology.

“What happens is when these films become so realistic, the kids have more trouble distinguishing between ‘oh, that’s a frightening film’ and this is something that could really happen,” says Dr. Simmermon.

Sarah Shelden is scared of roller coasters after seeing Final Destination 3. “I will never get on one again,”
she says.

Experts suggest parents use the motion picture ratings. For PG-13, for example, kids under 13 should not see the movie, or should see it with their parents. And then later, if their child wakes up frightened, take the opportunity to teach them it’s all just acting… and ketchup… and special effects.

“My parents kind of talk to me and tell me that it’s not exactly real. It’s just special effects that they use and just not to be afraid because there’s a one-in-a–million chance that it actually happens,” says 10-year-old Rachel Kubiak.

“I think it’s important to calm them and to talk about the difference between reality and fiction,” says Dr. Simmermon.

What Parents Need to Know

In real life, victims of violence may be affected physically and emotionally for years. But in the movies and on television, you rarely if ever see the aftermath of violence. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the average science fiction film contains fifty-five killings; horror films, thirty-seven; action/adventure, thirty-six; and suspense thrillers, thirty-two.
According to Common Sense Media, the younger kids are when they see a scary movie or TV show, the longer-lasting the effects will be. Younger children often can’t distinguish between fantasy and reality, and have nightmares and anxiety after watching the scary stuff. Researchers have identified three ways in which children may respond to high levels of violence: increased fear, desensitization to real-life violence, and increased aggressive behavior.
According to Joanne Cantor, author of Mommy, I’m Scared, children ten and up are most disturbed by movies that show realistic physical violence, molestation or sexual assault, and threats from alien or occult forces. For children in this age group the best response to frightening scenes and images is to talk openly about it: point out the unrealistic aspects of what the child saw and, in the case of more realistic dangers, help children develop strategies for preventing them.
Teen movies often portray risky activities—such as reckless driving, dangerous stunts, casual sex, and drug and alcohol use—as exciting and cool. If you see inappropriate content such as this while watching a movie with your teen, use the opportunity to talk about the issue.