"Mommy, I'm Scared": How TV and Movies Frighten Children and What We Can Do to Protect Them by Joanne Cantor, PhD

16th October 2023

This is an excellent reference on the psychological effects of "scary" movies and children. From R-rated and slasher movies, to common horror movies like Jaws, to children's movies for young children such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Alice in Wonderland, and Little House on the Prairie.

Believe it or not, Little House on the Prairie was judged to be one of the scariest TV shows of its time for children. Cantor explains and provides many clinical studies and scholarly references to prove her point. However, in today's world, parents, psychologists and educators need to realize that children are viewing very disturbing movies on a regular basis. This has become a way of life for children from the earliest of ages.

The movies of extreme violence for children, is something of a very serious nature, and parents need to protect children from the influence of disturbing and violent films. Children are seeing these films on cable television, video rentals and at the movies. Sometimes, very innocent, dainty girls are seeing movies of extreme violence with their parents. Parents need to realize that this can affect their child's mental health. This book explains in a balanced way how movies and television can affect the psychology of a child.

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