Guest Opinion
By Emma Smith
Many of us remember a time when a simple TV show or movie left a lasting impression, sometimes even a frightening one. For me, it was watching the movie Carrie late one night as an 11-year-old. The experience was genuinely traumatic, creating a vivid memory of fear that still lingers today. As spooky season rolls around each year, and horror content becomes increasingly prevalent, it’s natural to question whether children today are facing similar, potentially overwhelming experiences with media they may not be ready to process emotionally.
While content ratings exist to guide parents, they aren’t foolproof shields against potentially disturbing content. The concept of “ratings creep,” where standards become more lenient over time, means that what was once considered mature content might now be deemed acceptable for younger audiences. Technological advancements have also played a role, with CGI and special effects making modern media more realistic and potentially more impactful than content from even just two decades ago.
Consider shows like Law & Order: SVU, which often depict graphic scenes of violence and crime during primetime viewing hours. This raises concerns, especially when we see a concurrent rise in childhood anxiety disorders and PTSD diagnoses. While the causes of anxiety in children are multifaceted, increased media consumption is a significant factor that warrants our attention.
Research underscores this concern. A 2008 study revealed a clear link between frequent consumption of scary or violent media and higher anxiety levels in children. To put this in perspective, in 1990, children averaged 1.5 to 2 hours of daily television viewing. Today, average screen time has surged to approximately 6 hours per day. This dramatic increase in exposure, particularly to violent media, can contribute to heightened anxiety, and studies link this exposure to aggressive behavior, substance use, and other psychological challenges in children and adolescents.
A child’s emotional readiness for media content is complex and depends on factors like age, developmental stage, and individual sensitivities. Some children can differentiate between fiction and reality without issue, while others, though cognitively understanding the difference, may struggle to shake off disturbing images and themes. Repeated exposure to frightening media can lead to increased anxiety, behavioral problems, and emotional desensitization over time.
It’s impossible to completely shield children from everything potentially scary, and they will inevitably encounter frightening content at some point. The key lies in open communication. Creating a safe space for children to share their feelings and fears is crucial. Understanding their existing fears helps parents gauge what kind of media might be too overwhelming for them.
Studies have shown that providing children with context and a positive expectation can lessen the fear response to scary movies. But what if your child has already seen something frightening and is struggling with it? Engage in non-judgmental conversations about their experience. Explore why it affected them, explain special effects to demystify what they saw, or even watch behind-the-scenes footage to reinforce the fictional nature of the content. Sometimes, identifying the actors in other, less scary roles can also help.
Ultimately, providing children with a stable and reassuring environment is paramount. This helps them develop a sense of control and resilience, mitigating the potential negative impacts of scary media. Pay close attention to what your children are watching and be attuned to their emotional cues. Every child is different. For those who are more sensitive, taking their feelings seriously, listening with empathy, and offering reassurance of their safety are vital steps in navigating the effects of scary media.
Emma Smith, MA, LLPC, contributes to Child and Family Services and practices as a clinical mental health therapist at Blue Thistle Therapy.
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