Eleanor Finch
There is no definitive answer to the question of what age is appropriate for a child to go to the cinema, as it depends on several factors, including the film's content, the child's age, their attention span, and the parenting style. Some cinemas offer special screenings for parents with babies, where it is acceptable for infants to cry or be fed. The film's rating is an important consideration when deciding whether to take a child to the cinema. In the UK, the British Board of Film Classification assigns ratings based on the amount of 'adult' content, such as swearing, nudity, and violence. Common Sense Media recommends that children be at least 3 or 4 years old before going to the movies, while others suggest waiting until the child is 5 or 6 years old to ensure they can sit through the film.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for entry | 3-6 years |
| Accompanied by an adult | Yes |
| Ratings | U, PG, 12A, 15, 18 |
| Ticket | Required |
| Disturbing other patrons | Must leave |
| Proof of age | Photographic ID |
| Babies | Babes in Arms screenings |
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What You'll Learn
Age restrictions and ratings
When deciding whether or not to take a child to the cinema, it is important to consider the film's content, the age of the child, and the parenting style of the accompanying adult. Movie ratings are a good place to start when assessing suitability. In the UK, these ratings are set by the British Board of Film Classification, which classifies films based on their content, including violence, language, substance use, consumerism, physical displays of affection, misogyny, objectification, and educational value.
The lowest rating, U, for Universal, means a film is suitable for all ages. PG (Parental Guidance) movies are usually fine for older children but may not be suitable for younger ones. Above this is 12A, where the film is recommended for children over 12, but younger children may attend if accompanied by an adult. However, this is left to the parent's discretion. Nobody under the age of 15 can be admitted to films classified as 15, and nobody under 18 can enter films classified as 18.
Babies under one year old are generally only admitted to specific screenings, such as 'Babes in Arms', and must be accompanied by a paying adult. Some cinemas also offer special screenings suited to parents with babies, where it is acceptable for babies to cry or be fed during the film.
In addition to official ratings, parents can refer to family-centric review sites and movie review websites like IMDb, which offer Parents' Guides detailing the amount and type of content that may be unsuited to children. These can help parents make an informed decision about whether a film is suitable for their child.
Aside from ratings and content, a child's level of media consumption and their ability to sit still and remain quiet throughout a movie are also important considerations. Some children may be ready to enjoy a full film at a cinema from as young as three, while others may take longer to develop the necessary attention span and sitting tolerance. A trial movie night at home, with similar lighting and seating to a cinema, can help determine if a child is ready for the cinema experience.
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Parental guidance
The age classification of a film is the first place to start when considering taking your kids to the cinema. Movie ratings are set by official boards such as the British Board of Film Classification, based on the amount of "adult" content within the film, such as swearing, substance use, consumerism, physical displays of affection, misogyny, objectification, nudity, and violence.
The lowest rating, U, for Universal, means a film is suitable for all ages. PG - or Parental Guidance - movies are usually fine for slightly older kids but may not be suitable for younger children. Above this is 12A, where the film is recommended for children over the age of 12, but younger children can be admitted if accompanied by an adult. It is then left up to the parent or guardian's discretion. Nobody under the age of 15 can be admitted to films classified as 15, and nobody under 18 can enter an 18-rated film.
However, the age rating of a film is not the only consideration. The content of the film, the age of your kids, and your parenting style are also important factors. If you're the type of parent who likes to shelter your kids from the outside world, you're probably not going to want to take them to see a movie with mature content. On the other hand, if you're more lenient, you might be okay with taking them to see a 12A film. It's a good idea to research the movie beforehand to see if it aligns with your family's values and if it's something you're comfortable with. Websites such as IMDb feature Parents' Guides, where users detail the amount of content that may be unsuited to children. You should also consider the movie's subject, as some topics, such as war or terrorism, are unlikely to be appropriate for kids.
In addition to the film's content, you should also consider your child's attention span and ability to sit still and stay quiet for an extended period. Every child is different, and while some children may be able to sit through an entire film from the age of three, others may not be interested in watching TV or film until they are older. You can try doing a movie night at home, with similar lighting and seating to a cinema, to get a sense of whether your child can sit through a whole film.
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Child's attention span
While there is no definitive answer to what constitutes a child when it comes to cinema admissions, cinemas often rely on film classification and ratings to determine whether a child can watch a film. For example, the David Lean Cinema in the UK admits children aged five and over to films rated U or PG. Children under 12 can be admitted to 12A films if accompanied by an adult. Nobody under the age of 15 can be admitted to 15-rated films, and only those aged 18 and over can watch 18-rated films.
Now, when it comes to a child's attention span, this can vary depending on the child's age, interests, and surrounding environment. Childhood development experts generally say that a child's attention span is just two to three minutes per year of their age. For example, a five-year-old child would have an attention span of around 10 to 15 minutes. However, it's important to remember that these are only generalisations, and every child is different.
There are ways to improve a child's attention span and help them focus. One way is to build a consistent and predictable daily routine, which includes dedicated 'focus task' time. This could be something as simple as reading stories together, working on a puzzle, or building with Lego. Making sure your child is well-rested, not hungry, and has had a chance to burn off some energy can also help improve their focus.
You can also try to make tasks more interesting and engaging for your child. For example, if your child dislikes maths, try making it more fun by letting them work out problems in finger paint before putting the answer on their homework sheet. Fidget toys, such as spinners, cubes, stress balls, and putty, can also help soothe anxiety and engage parts of the brain essential for paying attention.
Finally, remember that children love success, so help them find success in focusing, and they will perform better in school and life. It's also important to accept that your child's distractibility is entirely natural and not a sign of defiance. If you're concerned about your child's ability to concentrate, you can always seek advice from a professional, such as a licensed neuropsychologist, who can assess your child's strengths and needs.
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Child's interest in film
The age bracket that constitutes a child varies depending on the cinema and the region. For example, at the David Lean Cinema, children under 12 can be admitted to films classified as 12A if accompanied by an adult. Nobody under the age of 15 can be admitted to films classified as 15, and nobody under 18 can be admitted to films classified as 18. Babies under the age of one will be admitted to Babes in Arms screenings only and without charge.
When it comes to a child's interest in films, this can start at a very young age. Many sources suggest that children can begin watching films at home from the age of three or four. However, this is dependent on the child's attention span and the type of film. Some children may be interested in films from a younger age, while others may take longer to develop an interest.
To foster a child's interest in film, parents or caregivers can expose them to a variety of movies from different genres, such as fiction, documentaries, animation, and live-action. Films can teach children about various topics, including family, love, kindness, nature, and wildlife. For instance, films like "Finding Nemo", "Meet the Robinsons", and "Inside Out" explore emotions and human connections.
Additionally, children can be encouraged to create their own stories and express their creativity through drawing, storyboarding, and cinematography. They can take pictures and videos outdoors, in museums, or at public parks and festivals. Children can also try their hand at editing and creating small screenplays.
By combining film viewing with creative expression, parents can help foster a deeper interest in film and even potentially spark a future career path in filmmaking for their children.
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Child-friendly screenings
The age classification of films is an important consideration when deciding whether or not to take a child to the cinema. In the UK, the British Board of Film Classification assigns ratings based on the amount of "adult" content, such as violence, language, and nudity. A U rating, for instance, indicates that a film is suitable for audiences of all ages, whereas a film rated 12A is recommended for children over 12, with younger children permitted only if accompanied by an adult.
Beyond official ratings, a child's readiness for the cinema will depend on their attention span, their interest in film and television, and their capacity to remain quiet and still for the duration of a movie. Some parents recommend testing a child's readiness by setting up a movie night at home, replicating the lighting and atmosphere of a cinema as closely as possible. Others suggest exposing children to films from a young age, allowing them to develop the ability to concentrate on a full-length feature film.
Cinemas also play a role in facilitating child-friendly experiences. Some cinemas offer special screenings for parents with babies, where crying or feeding is not an issue. Certain cinemas also provide child-friendly matinees with reduced volume and less intense content.
When choosing a film, parents are encouraged to research its content beforehand, considering their own values and preferences. Websites like IMDb offer Parents' Guides, detailing elements of films that may be unsuitable for children. Family-centric review sites can provide insights into specific occurrences of substance use, consumerism, physical displays of affection, misogyny, and objectification, as well as educational value and positive messages.
Ultimately, the decision to take a child to the cinema involves weighing factors like the child's age, the film's rating and content, and the parenting style and philosophy.
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Frequently asked questions
The age rating of the film will determine whether a child can get into a cinema. For example, anyone over 5 can be admitted to films classified as U or PG, while children under 12 can only be admitted to films classified as 12A if they are accompanied by an adult.
Aside from the film's rating, you should consider your child's ability to sit still and remain quiet throughout the film without disturbing other patrons. You should also take into account your parenting style and whether you feel the content of the film is appropriate for your child. Websites like IMDb provide Parents' Guides that can help you make this decision.
Yes, some cinemas offer special screenings that are suited to parents with babies, where it won't matter if your baby cries or needs to be fed. Cinemas may also offer child-friendly matinees that are less loud and less intense.
