Wondering if it’s too scary? Here’s the parents’ guide you need!
By Alex Taylor
Updated: May 14, 2022
Originally Published: Jan. 13, 2022
Paramount Pictures
In case you haven’t noticed, we’re currently experiencing a resurgence of ‘90s and early 2000s nostalgia. For those of us who are older millennials, this revival means we can relive some of our favorite childhood moments. Think Brendan Fraser and chokers! One notable example of this trend is the reboot of the Scream movie franchise, which first debuted in 1996 and has since produced three sequels over the years. Now, in 2022, we have the eagerly awaited Scream 5. So naturally, you want to check it out, right? But here’s the catch: with the added allure of a fresh, young Hollywood cast, your tween or teen might be clamoring to see this long-awaited sequel and the rest of the franchise. That’s where this Scream parents’ guide comes in handy.
Curious about the intense moments to expect? Wondering how uncomfortable it might be to sit next to your child during certain scenes? Or if your tween will be haunted by nightmares of Ghostface forever? Keep reading!
Is Scream Suitable for Kids?
What’s the story of Scream?
Directed by the legendary Wes Craven and penned by Kevin Williamson, the original film takes place in the fictional town of Woodsboro, California, where a group of teens becomes targets for a mysterious killer in a Halloween costume. Known as Ghostface, this killer wreaks havoc, particularly on one teen named Sidney Prescott (played by Neve Campbell). The sequels follow the pattern of Ghostface picking off everyone close to Sidney, with only a couple of survivors like reporter Gail Weathers (Courteney Cox) and Sheriff Dwight “Dewey” Riley (David Arquette).
This year’s “requel” picks up from where Scream 4 left off, reuniting Campbell, Cox, and Arquette, along with new characters portrayed by a young, trendy cast including Mia Thompson, Jenna Frost, Dylan Carter, Jack Robinson, Jasmine Leigh, Sonia Turner, and Mason Brooks.
What rating do the Scream films have?
If you’re a fan, you probably know that all Scream films are rated R. The Motion Picture Association explains this rating as containing some adult material and advises parents to research the film before bringing young children along. To attend an R-rated movie, individuals must be 17 or older, or accompanied by a parent or guardian if under 17.
So, is Scream suitable for tweens?
When it comes to parenting and screen time, there are no one-size-fits-all answers. Perhaps you’ve set firm boundaries and prefer your child not to watch anything rated PG-13 or higher until they’re in high school, or maybe you allowed them to see World War Z at age seven. No one knows your child better than you, so the final decision rests with you. Research suggests that scary movies can lead to emotional issues in young children, such as anxiety or aggression, but there are also arguments that such effects are usually temporary. If your child tends to be anxious, it may be wise to hold off until they are older.
Reviews from critics, parents, and even tweens and teens indicate that kids should be older than preteens to safely watch the Scream franchise. For context, Stranger Things—another popular teen series—holds a TV-14 rating, which is equivalent to PG-13. If your child finds Stranger Things too intense, then Scream is probably not a good fit. The films are known for their graphic violence (there are a lot of stabbings), mature language, and risky behavior, coupled with references to sexual activity. As the franchise progressed, the content became increasingly graphic, so the original might be the safest option if your tween is desperate to watch it (and you believe they can handle it). Better than letting them binge on Squid Game, right?
How about teens?
You might have been a teen yourself when the original film premiered. Did watching it—or any of the R-rated movies you saw back then—leave a lasting impression? Probably not! Nevertheless, Common Sense Media advises that kids should be over 16 to view the franchise, including the new installment. However, parents seem to think it’s fine for those aged 14 and up, while kids suggest 13+ should be acceptable. Ah, the joys of parenting! Whether you decide to allow your teen to watch or not, there will always be differing opinions.
If you’re looking for more guidance, Slate rates Scream 5 as a 7/10 for suspense and an 8/10 for gore (similar to the original Scream and Alien). Be aware that the film includes graphic blood scenes, strong language, teen drinking (with a nod to drug use), and several instances of sexual dialogue.
Examples of Mild Sex and Nudity in Scream
– One character wears a “Boob Inspector” hat.
– A teenage girl is seen in a bra.
– Billy and Sidney share a kiss while lying on her bed. He starts to reach up her skirt, but she pushes his hand down. No nudity is shown.
– There’s a scene where Sidney removes her bra (no nudity), and she and Billy kiss and touch each other.
– Discussions about virginity and sex occur, with breasts referred to as “tits.”
– Characters view Halloween and discuss Jamie Lee Curtis’ breasts, noting, “She didn’t show her tits until she went legits.”
– References are made about Sidney’s mother being raped and murdered.
This article was originally published on Jan. 13, 2022.
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Summary
In summary, the Scream franchise is a thrilling yet graphic series that may not be suitable for younger audiences. Parents should consider their child’s maturity level and sensitivity to horror before allowing them to view the films, especially the latest installment, Scream 5. Ultimately, it’s important to assess what’s best for your child.
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