Horror movies can be a nightmare for kids — what to do if they accidentally see one

nypost.com:

a fourth-grade class in Florida was shown the slasher film “Winnie the Pooh: Honey and Blood” by their math teacher this month, experts are warning that horror movies can terribly upset young children. “While it may be a thrill for an adult to see a horror film, for kids, it can produce severe anxiety, panic.

It can increase stress, and it can even lead to depression,” mental health counselor Catherine Del Toro told USA Today. “Their brains are not fully developed, and so they’re not processing things the same way that we do.” Because every child is different, it’s important to consider their personality, their exposure to frightening films, and their potential reaction to the material.“Some kids can watch scary stuff, and they’re OK,” psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis told USA Today. “Some kids will not be able to sleep for about a week.

It varies.”Psychotherapist Chelsey Cole recommends weighing the pros and cons of having your child press play. “Is watching this movie going to cause harm?

Is it going to be helpful in any way?” Cole wondered to USA Today. “If the potential negative side effects outweigh the good, that’s probably not worth it.”She added: “But is it going to be a scary movie, but one that would bring up an opportunity to have conversations about hard subjects or what to do in dangerous situations?