The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Dad is horror-filled by son’s horror films
DEAR AMY >> Iama divorced man who shares custody of a 13-year-old boy with my ex-wife.
Last weekend I became aware that my son’s mother had given permission for him to watch “The Exorcist.”
If you are not familiar with this horror film, some of the worst scenes are available online. They are very disturbing and I cannot imagine anyone allowing a 13-year-old to view this film.
She has allowed him to view other R-rated horror films, which are highly inappropriate for his age. I can’t even believe it is a discussion as to whether he should be watching these films, but apparently she sees nothing wrong with it.
My ex-wife knows I disapprove. I have talked to my son about how I feel about these inappropriate movies. I have told him he can choose to watch better films, but at 13 he probably thinks it is cool.
— Horror-fied Dad
DEAR HORROR-FIED >> Ido think that you are overreacting, but it is a natural overreaction, and it is very much within your rights to have your own opinion about these films.
Yes, I have watched “The Exorcist” (at least two versions), but there are other horror films that are much more graphic that I cannot imagine watching — or letting a 13-year-old watch. As in all things, there are degrees of horrible to horror movies.
But your son has the ability to see films or scenes from films online. Understand that he can likely gain access to almost anything he chooses. Also understand that his friends are influencing him, possibly even more than you and his mother are.
Explain your point of view, without coming down too hard on him. Ask him to describe why he is drawn to horror films and, yes, accept that it is definitely considered “cool” at his age to push this boundary.
At some point very soon, your son may start experimenting with watching porn. If you are calm and maintain an open attitude now when discussing these things with him, he should develop his own cultural meter when making choices on his own.
I hope you will watch movies with him, alternating who gets to choose the film. If I were you, I’d start with “Jaws” — still scary after all these years.