Even when your kids become adolescents, you still need to monitor what they're watching. Many movies aimed at the "tween" age group (11–13) contain material that isn't appropriate for young teens. The rating systems don't help either. Films that were rated Restricted (17 and over) at the cinema may become 14A when released on home video in Canada.
A new trend with Hollywood studios is to take teen-oriented films, add raunchier scenes and then remove the voluntary ratings. These unrated versions are released on video and DVD with "Director's Cut" or "Uncensored" labels. Parents should be aware that the content of many of these unrated movies is not appropriate for young people.
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.
Young girls are particularly susceptible to movies' unrealistic standards of female beauty. Deconstruct these images with your kids. How have images of beauty changed from older movies to current films? What characteristics are usually attributed to beautiful characters and plain characters?
Pay attention if your teen spends a lot of time with violent media, shows violent tendencies, or is withdrawn and alienated from peers. Use the tip sheet Checklist for Violent Youth, on the right sidebar, to identify signs of potential violence; and get the appropriate counselling (from school, your doctor, or social services) to address his/her mental health needs.
