Newswise — With last week's release of the controversial film, "The Passion of the Christ," many parents are wondering whether or not to bring young children to see the movie. "Despite the attention and controversy surrounding this film in particular, parents' decisions should be consistent with their approach to all movies and television programs that contain adult content and/or graphic depictions of violence," said David Fassler, M.D., clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Dr. Fassler, who practices child and adolescent psychiatry in Burlington, Vt., offers the following general guidelines and suggestions:
1. Keep in mind that clinical research clearly demonstrates that repeated exposure to graphic media violence is detrimental to young children and can cause confusion, upset, difficulty sleeping, frightening nightmares, or other signs of anxiety.
2. Pay attention to movie ratings; they are designed to protect children from content which is not age appropriate.
3. Avoid exposing children to media containing confusing adult content, as they may misinterpret what they see or personalize the information and experiences depicted. Children may have difficulty distinguishing between real people and actors in a movie. If a film shows people being tortured or killed, children may worry about their own safety or that of their family.
4. Be available to answer questions, address fears, and correct misconceptions when and if children or adolescents do see graphically violent films. It is particularly inappropriate and potentially harmful for children to view such movies or shows without adult supervision.
5. Children, adolescents and adults with prior histories of trauma, exposure to violence, and/or psychiatric disorders may be particularly vulnerable to emotional difficulties following exposure to films with intense violent content and themes.
In addition to his practice and clinical faculty position, Dr. Fassler serves as a Trustee at Large of the American Psychiatric Association and as a member of the Work Group on Consumer Issues of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
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