Babies at the Cinema: Should They Be Allowed?
Brussels – May 17, 2024 – The age-old question of weather babies at the cinema is appropriate or not has resurfaced after a recent screening sparked discussion.The incident,involving infants at a violent film,reignited the debate about noise levels,child welfare,and disruption to other patrons. expert opinions suggest caution, but the debate also touches on parental rights, the cinema’s responsibilities, and public expectations. This insightful article delves into the arguments surrounding babies at the cinema, to help you reach your own conclusion.
Babies at the Cinema: A Question of Common Sense?
The presence of infants at a recent screening of “Mission : Impossible – The final Reckoning” has sparked debate about the appropriateness of bringing babies to the cinema. While the occasional cry might be expected, some moviegoers questioned whether it was fair to other patrons seeking a calm environment, adn more importantly, whether the loud volume of a film rated inappropriate for those under 12 could harm the infants’ hearing.
Kinepolis’s Stance: Flexibility vs. Common Sense
When questioned about the incident, Kinepolis acknowledged the concerns. Anneleen van Troos, corporate communication Manager, explained their current policy: Currently, our internal regulations do not prohibit the presence of babies.Children under 3 do not pay and receive a free ticket. This offers a certain flexibility that can meet the needs of families who come to watch a family film.
However, the film in question, “Mission : Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” is considered violent, featuring combat, shootings, and explosions.
Kinepolis relies on parental discretion in these situations. We are counting on the common sense of our visitors, both for the well-being of the child and for the comfort of the public indoor,
said Van Troos.
While Kinepolis states that This practice works and does not generate complaints
usually, the company is open to reevaluating its policy. Kinepolis stated that they are ready, given what was reported to them, to reassess our policy in the matter and adapt it if necesary.
Expert Opinion: “Inappropriate Conduct”
Bruno Humbeeck, a psychopedagogue, researcher, and author specializing in education and family, weighed in on the issue. He described bringing babies to such screenings as a conduct that can be described as inappropriate.
Humbeeck argues that A cinema is not a pleasant place for the child at all.
He views this behavior as A way to tell others that they don’t matter,
adding that The child becomes a possible source of nuisance
for other spectators.
The whole problem of a child is that it could constitute a charge for the parent. It is not easy to go to the cinema when you have a child. We must be able to accept the idea that we are not alone to educate a child
Bruno Humbeeck, Psychopedagogue
Humbeeck suggests option solutions for parents who wish to enjoy a movie. I woudl be careful not to judge the parents who take their babies to the cinema,but I suggest that they find extra solutions when they want to go there.
Balancing Parental Freedom and Child Welfare
Humbeeck emphasizes the importance of considering a child’s well-being in such situations. People must be released to conceive what is not appropriate for their children. This is not the role of cinemas to authorize or prohibit access, even if there are recommendations, such as the ban on under 12, so as not to put the child in a situation of discomfort.
While he doesn’t consider taking a child to the cinema traumatic,
he maintains it is inappropriate.
He draws a parallel to exposing children to excessively noisy festivities, stating, It is not dangerous in itself, the cinema is no more dangerous than ending up in a very noisy city.
