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Dad is horror-filled by son's horror films

By Amy Dickinson, Tribune Content Agency on

Dear Amy: I am a divorced man who shares custody of a 13-year-old boy with my ex-wife.

Last weekend I became aware that my son's mother had given permission for him to watch "The Exorcist."

If you are not familiar with this horror film, some of the worst scenes are available online. They are very disturbing and I cannot imagine anyone allowing a 13-year-old to view this film.

She has allowed him to view other R-rated horror films, which are highly inappropriate for his age. I can't even believe it is a discussion as to whether he should be watching these films, but apparently she sees nothing wrong with it.

My ex-wife knows I disapprove. I have talked to my son about how I feel about these inappropriate movies. I have told him he can choose to watch better films, but at 13 he probably thinks it is cool.

Any advice? Do you think I am overreacting?

 

-- Horror-fied Dad

Dear Horror-fied: I do think that you are overreacting, but it is a natural overreaction, and it is very much within your rights to have your own opinion about these films.

Yes, I have watched "The Exorcist" (at least two versions), but there are other horror films that are much more graphic that I cannot imagine watching -- or letting a 13-year-old watch. As in all things, there are degrees of horrible to horror movies.

Parents should consume media alongside their children in order to see what they're seeing. (Is your ex-wife doing this? Probably not.)

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