By the time I started growing up, away from the teenagehood stage and having access to watching different kinds of movies without being restricted, seeing people kissing themselves on stage, romancing each other, I smile because I remember how the experience was for my siblings and me when we were still young. Our parents were the strict ones but with them embracing us with love. In one word, disciplinarian. They choose the kind of movie we can watch, and for us too, we know the type of movie to go for before we even purchase them.
During that time, we had a DVD player where we used a small amount to rent a video cassette and then we returned it when we were done watching. At other times, our parents would get us some cassettes when they are returning from work which are always educative, together with songs like the popular children's songs in those days, "Destiny Kids". We were fond of these kids back then and how we watched them sing beautifully.
But then when it came to some videos, our parents would be there with us making sure every scene was appropriate for us to watch and in the end, would ask us what we learnt from them.
When we are watching a movie together and there is a scene where kissing is happening, our parents, especially dad would tell us to close our eyes while theirs are opened until the scene is carried away. We would only listen to the sounds of their kissing wishing to watch too but it's either we close our eyes or switch off the TV completely and forget about watching movies. We got used to this way and we weren't told what to do again once a movie gets to the kissing or romancing part when they are not with us.
There are other contents in movies that we were not allowed to watch like action movies involving the use of guns and hard objects because, to our parents, it is wrong for us so we don't end up using guns and becoming a nuisance in society. When I watch movies now and watch these scenes, I just give a subtle smile remembering how we were prevented from watching those kinds of contents from movies.
I would say they did the right thing as all parents should do. Children shouldn't be allowed to watch some content from TV at certain ages but wisdom should be applied especially when kids are 13 years of age or above. Here are some considerations when it comes to movies that are rated PG-13.
PG-13 movies are intended to indicate that some content or materials shown may be inappropriate for children under that age. However, we need to be aware that appropriateness can vary depending on how sensitive and mature an individual level could be. While some parents may find some scenes, languages, and themes inappropriate for their children of that age, some parents consider it acceptable because humans are different and with diverse perspectives.
Looking at the part of an individual's maturity, not all 13-year-old children have the same maturity level. Some might be more sensitive to certain content while others might just watch and handle those particular scenes, languages or themes without issues.
Another thing to consider is that parents and guardians need to review movie content before allowing their children to watch. Just like my experience, my parents ensured that not all content can be watched and those that have been reviewed by them are the ones that are considered appropriate for us while others should be discarded.
Parents also should take time to watch movies together with their children and in the process discuss what the movie is all about which can help them understand and process what they see. This is also an opportunity for the children to ask questions they aren't sure about and with the parents' help, answer them in the best way.
Another thing is that the context in which themes or scenes are presented matters a lot and can make a difference. For instance, when violence is shown in a movie to explain a historical event, it may be viewed differently than in an action movie.
Lastly, another consideration here is to have substitutes for movies. For example, if a movie seems inappropriate or borderline, parents should go for more options that can be entertaining, educative and appropriate.
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