MOVIE NIGHT THE PERFECT TONIC
FRIDAY movie nights are the perfect way for parents to bond with their children and share their wisdom, according to child experts.
Children’s and adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg said there was “overwhelming evidence” showing kids benefited from screen time with parents.
“If a family starts something like a regular Friday movie night, it gives the bonding time a sense of meaning and purpose, and it creates a strong feeling of belonging. That connectedness can reduce the likelihood of anxiety and depression among children,” he said.
Dr Carr-Gregg said watching a movie with the whole family could also open up important discussions about different social issues.
Psychologist Sabina Read said while screen time could have a negative outcome, actively sharing movie times with children could expose them to “new content, language, and even relationship dynamics”.
“Exploring age appropriate film content together can prompt conversations which help facilitate a deeper understanding of the way our children are currently thinking,” she said.