Doreen

[iar fach goch]

MS, who is 8, had been verbally invited to a birthday party, visit to cinema followed by Pizza Hut, I agreed he could go, but have now been told by the parents that they are going to see Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol which is rated 12A. I know that he can go in with an adult, but do you think the film is really suitable? I have never taken him to see a 12 A film but feel that my hands are tied, as I have already said he can go, but I am not happy about it. Any advice /opinions gratefully received.

[Chucky Mama]

I sympathise as I don't like my children watching films and DVDs without knowing the content. I haven't seen it but read the following"BBFC Consumer Advice: Contains moderate action violence". So it would appear that it doesn't contain bad language and inappropriate 'adult themes'. My ES has seen it but it out, I will check with him when he gets home.

[soapdragon]

You are in a bit of a difficult position, having said he could go, but my gut reaction would be to say a firm NO. Ratings are there for a reason and there is a huge difference between 8 years old and 12 - especially as you won't be there to 'explain' any bits you might feel are not suitable and also not able to answer any questions arising thereafter as things turn over in his mind!

 

If you explained the whole thing and how you feel I am sure he would understand ; could you offer an alternative treat to make up for it - maybe a cinema visit with you/family for a more suitable film/£X to spend in the toyshop/something else that would really appeal to him ??!!

 

I have two boys of 7 1/2 and 4 and am/always have been very careful about what they watch tho I do try not to be over protective! Motherhood is a minefield but, reading between the lines of your post, you do not seem happy to let him go so follow your instincts!

 

Personally, I think its a bit irresponsible for the 'asking' parents to take this age group to something like this and also not to have spoken to you/other parents about it before issuing the invitation - but then maybe I am a bit old fashioned!

[Chucky Mama]

There is a bit of advise here

[The Dogmother]

I've not seen it but I can understand your reluctance and would let Rosie go in the same situation.

 

She's nearly 14 now and often sees films with friends but only if I know the content.

[Lewis]

I have seen it and thought it was a good film - not sure kids would enjoy it though, not that I think it would be bad for them to watch, just not sure they'd understand it all.

 

Wasn't really bad violence but then I'm not viewing it from an 8 year olds POV - maybe speak to the parent of the child (or other parents of kids going) about the film and see if they've seen it?

 

Sorry, not much help!

[iar fach goch]

Thanks for the replies. Glad I came on here for a few wise words as all OH would say was that he wouldn't show him the film but that I had to let him go. It felt as if I was being bullied in some way by the other parents, who are well aware of people's concerns, merely replying that the cinema will let the children in. Well, I decided that I wasn't going to be forced to allow him to watch something I would never have dreamed of taking him to see, so I had a chat with MS and explained why I wasn't happy. Obviously he wasn't happy and shed a few tears, because he's missing out on a treat with all his friends, but we've agreed to stay at home and watch the Man U v Liverpool game today and go go-karting and out to lunch tomorrow, so he's got something to look forward to. I felt really bad telling him he couldn't go, it broke my heart, but I feel so angry with the other boys parents for putting me in this situation. I know I am not the only parent who was concerned about the film, but I suppose I'm the only one who's actually said no. I just hope that the other boys don't go on about it too much on Monday.

[Alis girls]

My eldest saw Incidous (excuse spelling) when he was 15 and its a 15 cert (I think there is such a cert) -terriifed him - he wouldnt sleep alone for weeks and even now doesnt like wardrobe doors being open I am tempted to see it because I wonder if it should have had parental warnings. As you've said she can go its a difficult one - cartoon violence is often what you see on TV - "biff, baff, ouch" that sort of thing.

[Alis girls]

Sorry should be "he" apologies senior moment

[Couperwife]

I work in a school and we are not allowed to show films that are 12 rated to year 7 students until the end of the academic year (the assumption is the the majority of the are 12 at that point)

 

I think it's rather rude of the parent to even suggest that they show your child a film that the film rating people feel is unsuitable they should of at least told you about if before the invites were even sent

 

I think this will backfire on them

 

Well done for giving him something else to look forward to.

 

Cathy

X

[soapdragon]

Good for you for sticking to your guns - at least theres another treat for him to look forward to . It will be interesting to see what some of the other parents had to say about the situation ....post if you get any feedback!!!!! (I am so nosy )

[Lewis]

Well done for sticking to it!

[Willow]

we've agreed to stay at home and watch the Man U v Liverpool game today and go go-karting and out to lunch tomorrow, so he's got something to look forward to. I felt really bad telling him he couldn't go, it broke my heart, but I feel so angry with the other boys parents for putting me in this situation.

 

Good for you! I think the other boys parents are def at fault, I enjoyed the movie but I really can't see that 8 yr olds would get much from it and there are other options they could have gone for that would have been more suitable