What age is a child old enough to go to the movies alone?

Question

My son is 14 and I have not allowed him to go to the movies alone. He wants to go to the movies tomorrow, should I let him go by himself? He is responsible. It's not that I don't trust him, you just never know who is in the theatre with them.

I will be dropping him off and picking him up.

He does have a cell phone so he can call me whenever he needs to. I will also be around the movie theatre, close by

Answer 1

I'm a Teacher, and I would say that 15 is good.

I would probably only allow my 14 year old to go IF I was going to be in the theater and watching another movie--OR if I was going to drop him off and pick him up AT EXACTLY THE TIME THE MOVIE WENT OFF---AND ALSO ONLY IF HE HAD A CELL PHONE WITH HIM..And it is also best if he had a buddy to bring with him. But, Definitely dont let him catch the bus or train by himself to get there-- no way.

Only let him go UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS. If he puts up an argument--then the answer is NO.

Keep in mind that if your son looks YOUNGER than 14--then you should NOT let him go by himself. Some 14 year olds look 16, and some look 11. If he looks 11--then no--dont let him go all alone even if you will pick him up and drop him off.. Sadly, we live in a world where child predators are looking for weak kids to be all by themselves---.Keep in mind that your son will at some point have to use the bathroom--and who knows what kid of Pervs will be in there. If your son looks physically weak, then some Pervert might think he can overpower him.. Dont worry--time flies and 15 will be here before you know it--Just settle and take him to rent some DVD's and let him have the TV room all to himself to make up for it--and dont disturb him!!.

Peace

Answer 2

If you can drop him off and tell him you'll be right there when the movie finishes. He's going to have to learn to handle a little responsibility on his own soon MUM. I know it's scary out there , but I also know kids need to be trusted so that they can make the small social achievements. Will any of his friends be coming with him?

My friends have teenagers and they let their teens go to the movies alone once they hit grade 8 or 9. However they drive them and pick them up or other parents do.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

I believe it doesnt depend on the age that could be 15, depends on the person and the person he is around, friends can be good or bad influences, sometimes can be seen as strangers when they dont expect something.

I don´t believe any teenager should go alone, I mean is the age of having friends, community, social skills...why going alone? I dont think is safe even for an adult and we need to ask why he wants to be alone in a theater maybe he wil meet someone we dont know and is not telling, because I find no reason for a teenager to go alone to the movies when he can watch those movies at home.

I believe that if your decission is he can go, at least some mobile or cell phone and if I was the parent I will go to that theater not to spy him but to buy things that happens to be near by because I will trust my son, but not other´s.

Im sorry but I think is risky, maybe im a little "old fashioned" or conservative but is for the safe and protection, your sons age is the age of independence of "let me do it", of curiosity, etc. And sometimes this could be good or bad.

I believe it is risky at that age to go alone to the movies, i dont want to get the wrong impresion that something will happen but is better to be safe and think about situations carefuly. Again, why does he want to be alone at the movies cant he be alone watching television at home? or if he go with friends who are them can they help him in any situation, he needs to be protected, and thats the adult decission and risk too.

On the other hand if an adult forbides a teen to do something, it is likely that the teen will do it anyway...

Answer 4

Yes you should deffinately let your son go to the theatre alone, he is getting up there in age and becoming a man, let him spread his wings a little. A little trust can go a long way. Keeping a child sheltered only makes them more likely to retaliate, and do exactly what you don't want him to do. The way you speak of your son being responsible, I am sure he will be fine, give him a chance to prove his maturity.

hope I could be of help to you

Answer 5

15 or 16

Answer 6

15

Answer 7

Get their ears pierced? We have a rule in my house that my girls can get their ears pierced when they want.. after the age of 6. Stay HOme alone? Depends on how long I would be gone. My daughter was left home alone at 12. Go to the mall with out adult supervision? 12 Go to a boy-girl Party? 14/15 Go to a party with out adult supervision? 18 Go to the mall with one freind (and cell phones), but with out the adult following then in the mall, but the adult would be in the mall? 11/12 Date? 14/15 Get a job (assuming the law where you live says you have to be @ least 14)? I will allow them to get a job when they come of age(depending on where they want to work, their are different age requirements) Use tampons? any age...(when she gets her period) read Seventeen magazines? 14 or so. Wear a bra? when they need one. Wear a thong? I'm not sure..? Paint their nails? I paint my 3 year olds nails, I see no problem with that. Watch PG-13 movies? It depends on the movies.. I allow my 11 year old too. Watch R-rated movies? I allow my 14 year old to see some R movies, as long as my husband or I am watching it with her. Have freinds over with out adult supervision? 14 Wear Make up? 12 Babysit?...... 13 Shaving her legs? 12

Answer 8

17

Answer 9

tell him to go wit friends its understandable that ur worried about who else is in the theater, but there could b someone wit bad intentions anywhere he goes. However since a theater is a place where alot of people go there could also b alot of people there to help him if something goes wrong. Also since its such a public place and stuff does he have a cell phone. If hes responsible then trust him to do it ur obvously a great parent to care so u must have raised him well. U sould let him go

Answer 10

First of all it depends on what kind of kid he is! If your son is the kind of kid who you know will act different with his friends then he does with you then you should really look into how diferent that is! If hes 14 then he should be mature enough to handle going to the movies alone. And by the way most twelve year olds sre aloud to go to the mall by themselves!

To Sum It All Up- Just relax! hell be fine(its just the movies!)