Shepherd Middle School Update

With Halloween approaching, scary movies, horror videos, and other frightening content become especially popular. While some students love a good scare, others may continue thinking about what they watched long after the screen turns off. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that scary movies can continue to bother children for days after watching them and may contribute to fear, anxiety, nightmares, or difficulty sleeping. It's also important to remember that what is okay for one student may not be a good fit for another. Middle schoolers may feel pressure to watch something because their friends are watching it, but watching scary movies is not a rite of passage—students don't have to prove they're brave or “old enough” by watching something that makes them uncomfortable.

So, what can parents do? Pay attention to how your student responds, not just what they're watching. Consider watching scary content together when possible, checking the content ahead of time (websites like Common Sense Media can be helpful!), and watching it earlier in the day rather than right before bed. The AAP recommends avoiding frightening digital content within two hours of bedtime to give the brain some time to wind down. If something is clearly upsetting your student, it's okay to turn it off or choose something else. (healthychildren.org)

If something scary does stick with your student, try not to dismiss their feelings with “It's not real!” Instead, talk about what they saw, listen to what made it scary, and help them transition to something familiar and calming. You can also remind your student that it's okay to decide that a particular movie, show, video, or game simply isn't for them right now. There is no prize for being able to watch something that makes you feel anxious!

Mindful Moment: If a scary image or thought gets stuck in your student's mind, try the 5-4-3 grounding exercise: name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, and 3 things you can hear. Take a slow breath and bring your attention back to what is happening around you right now.

Wishing you a safe and happy Halloween!