Listen Now
Throughout the month of October, horror or “slasher” movies are on TV for Halloween. Movies such as Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, Child’s Play, and others show stabbings, people chopping off heads and limbs, bloodiness, guts spilling out of gaping wounds, and other extreme violence in such detail that they are the most terrifying movies ever made.
During this time, there are many “Horror Houses” where children and adults can walk through scenes with actors and props that are so terrifying that many come out screaming and crying.
According to multiple studies, children who watch slasher movies or are exposed to horror houses react to their fears in unhealthy ways, both physically and emotionally.
The most common short-term effects are clinging to an older sister, brother, or adult; trembling, crying, screaming, loss of appetite, increased heart rate, upset stomach, shock, and shortness of breath. Even though most of these will last only for a period of time, they can contribute to long-term effects such as nightmares, anxiety, sleeping problems, aggressiveness, and fears of dying, being alone, or being in the dark. These long-term effects may last for years and even into adulthood.
Research has also shown that the younger the child (age three and older) is when exposed to horror movies, the longer the negative effects may last. College students involved in studies have reported that seeing even one horror movie during childhood resulted in behaviors and fears they still carry as young adults.
For children to grow up with a healthy sense of safety and security and a healthy view of people around them and in the world, it is important for parents to guide them away from slasher movies and other forms of horror.
For Halloween this year, look for churches that have events such as Fall Festivals or other activities that are not terrifying for children, but can still give them the fun of getting candy and dressing up as heroes, princesses, animals, and other non-scary characters. Enjoy having fun as a family and keep the fear from movies, horror houses, and other Halloween activities where it belongs: far away from kids’ hearts and minds.
Julie Livingood just moved to Chatanooga, TN, to begin a new job teaching math and science. She loves to teach, loves astronomy, and loves riding motorcycles with her husband.
