Hey, Mom and Dad: When Is It OK for Kids to Start Watching Scary Movies?

Welcome to "Hey, Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area.

As Halloween approaches, the movie channels start screening old horror movies and new slasher flicks are in plentiful supply at theaters. Your kid asks to go see a scary movie at the theater with friends, but they're barely out of grade school. Do you let them go?

That leads us to this week's question:

What's the appropriate age for kids to start watching scary movies?

Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the Comments section.

Mia Novoa: I think it depends on the kid. I can not let my 7 year old watch because he will have nightmares for months. On the other hand, my friend's son is 6 an he watches with no nightmares. —on Palos Patch Facebook

Cathy Gardner-Maher: My kids loved scary movies, but not too scary. My youngest daughter watched Ghostbusters at the age of 6 and was terrified. So I guess it depends on the child. They loved the series, Goosebumps! —on Orland Park Patch Facebook

Missy Goodman: I can be pretty strict myself, but will allow my son to watch certain PG-13 movies. Of course sex and gore will be out of the question. He is only 8- so I make sure to filter what he sees. The original Night of the Living Dead (black & white) is one of his favorites. And anything on Svengoolie. —on Frankfort Patch Facebook

Michael Tucker: I start mine off on a classic to introduce them then work from there. I start with Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. There's enough humor to keep them not so scared and to see the beginning of horror genre based films to see if they can handle it. —on Homewood-Flossmoor Patch Facebook

Anthony Reed: I started with scooby doo cartoons at age 2. Never too early. —on Homewood-Flossmoor Patch Facebook

Anita Rogalski Kowalisyn: Depends on the movie. Pick the older movies from the 70s and earlier and they can watch from the time they go to school. Younger than that? Scooby Doo! —on Homewood-Flossmoor Patch Facebook

Debbie Macey Worsham: if u need someone to tell u u should not be parenting. —on Beverly-Mt. Greenwood Patch Facebook

Zig Ziegler: 13-14 I agree, as graphic as some of the movies are now a-days, even my 15-16 year old nieces have trouble falling asleep after watching them. Hell I have trouble falling asleep. again it depends on the movie. —on Frankfort Patch Facebook

So what's your take? At what age are kids mature enough to handle a horror film? Tell us in the comments below.