Jem and the Holograms is Sensory Friendly at AMC on Tuesday
Last updated on November 6th, 2015 at 12:24 am
AMC Entertainment (AMC) is expanding their Sensory Friendly Films program, in partnership with the Autism Society! This Tuesday evening, families affected by autism or other special needs have the opportunity to view a sensory friendly screening of Jem and the Holograms, a movie that may appeal to both younger and older audiences on the autism spectrum.
As always, the movie auditoriums will have their lights turned up and the sound turned down. Families will be able to bring in snacks to match their child’s dietary needs (i.e. gluten-free, casein-free, etc.), there are no advertisements or previews before the movie and it’s totally acceptable to get up and dance, walk, shout, talk to each other…and even sing – in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced during movie screenings unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
Does it make a difference? Absolutely! Imagine …no need to shhhhh your child. No angry stares from other movie goers. Many parents think twice before bringing a child to a movie theater. Add to that your child’s special needs and it can easily become cause for parental panic. But on this one day a month, for this one screening, everyone is there to relax and have a good time, everyone expects to be surrounded by kids – with and without special needs – and the movie theater policy becomes “Tolerance is Golden“.
AMC and the Autism Society will be showing Jem and the Holograms tomorrow, Tuesday, October 27th at 7pm (local time). Tickets are $4 to $6 depending on the location. To find a theatre near you, here is a list of AMC theatres nationwide participating in this fabulous program (note: to access full list, please scroll to the bottom of the page).
Coming in November: Spectre (Tues, 11/10), Peanuts (Sat, 11/14) The Hunger Games – Mockingjay – Part 2 (Tues, 11/24)
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Editor’s note: Although Jem and the Holograms has been chosen by the Autism Society as this month’s Sensory Friendly screening, we do want parents to know that it is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for thematic material including reckless behavior, brief suggestive content and some language. As always, please check the IMDB Parents Guide for a more detailed description of this film to determine if it is right for you and your child.
Goosebumps is AMC’s Sensory Friendly Film this Saturday
Last updated on October 25th, 2015 at 10:24 pm
Each month, AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society are teaming up to bring families affected by autism and other special needs “Sensory Friendly Films” – a wonderful opportunity to enjoy their favorite “family-friendly” movies in a safe and accepting environment. They have also recently added movie screenings of films for slightly older audiences on the autism spectrum.
The movie auditoriums will have their lights turned up and the sound turned down. Families will be able to bring in snacks to match their child’s dietary needs (i.e. gluten-free, casein-free, etc.), there are no advertisements or previews before the movie and it’s totally acceptable to get up and dance, walk, shout, talk to each other…and even sing – in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced during movie screenings unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
Does it make a difference? Absolutely! “It can be challenging enough to bring ANY child to a movie theater” says PedSafe Special Needs Parenting Expert Rosie Reeves. “For a parent with a special needs child, attempting an outing like this may seem overwhelming. And yet getting out, being with the community and sharing in an experience with an audience can be invaluable for just such children”.
On Saturday, October 24th at 10am local time, Goosebumps will be screened as part of the Autism Society “Sensory Friendly Films” program. Tickets are $4 to $6 depending on the location. To find a theatre near you, click here for a list of AMC theatres nationwide participating in this fabulous program (note: to access list, please scroll to the bottom of the page – and check with your local theatre to be sure they will be showing this Sensory Friendly film).
Coming later in October: Jem and the Holograms (Tues, 10/27)
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Editor’s note: Although Goosebumps has been chosen by the Autism Society as this month’s Sensory Friendly screening, we do want parents to know that it is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for scary and intense creature action and images, and for some rude humor. As always, please check the IMDB Parent’s Guide for a more detailed description of this film to determine if it is right for you and your child.
Eating Disorders Explained
Last updated on March 2nd, 2018 at 12:41 pm
Find out the facts about eating disorders, including what they are, who’s affected by them and what to do if you need help and support.
What is an Eating Disorder?
There are several different types of eating disorder, the most common being anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Eating disorders are mental health conditions that all involve an unhealthy relationship with food and eating, and often an intense fear of being overweight. If you have an eating disorder you may experience one or more of the following:
- You have a preoccupation and concern about food and gaining weight.
- You would like to lose weight even though friends or family worry that you are underweight.
- You let people around you think you have eaten when you haven’t.
- You’re secretive about your eating habits because you know they’re unhealthy.
- Eating makes you feel anxious, upset or guilty.
- You make yourself vomit or use laxatives in order to lose weight.
What Causes Eating Disorders?
It’s unlikely that an eating disorder will be the result of one single cause. It’s much more likely to be a combination of many factors, events, feelings or pressures that lead to you feeling unable to cope.
These can include low self-esteem, problems with friends or family relationships; the death of someone special; problems at school, college, university or work; lack of confidence; or sexual or emotional abuse. Many people talk about simply feeling too fat or not good enough. You might use food to help you cope with painful situations or feelings without even realising it.
In situations where there are high academic expectations, family issues or social pressures, you may focus on food and eating as a way of coping.
Traumatic events can trigger an eating disorder. These might include bereavement, being bullied or abused, a divorce in the family or concerns about sexuality. Someone with a long-term illness or disability (such as diabetes, depression, blindness or deafness) may also have eating problems.
Some studies have also shown that there are biological factors involved. In other words, some people will be more likely to develop an eating disorder because of their genetic make-up.
Who is Affected by Eating Disorders?
Anyone can develop an eating disorder, regardless of age, sex or cultural or racial background. The people most affected tend to be young women, particularly between the ages of 15 and 25, and around 10% of people with eating disorders are men.
What Should I Do if I Think I Have an Eating Disorder?
People with eating disorders often say that the eating disorder is the only way they feel they can stay in control of their life. But, as time goes on, it is the eating disorder that starts to control you. You may also have the urge to harm yourself, or misuse alcohol or drugs.
If you think you have an eating disorder, talk to someone you trust. You may have a close friend or family member you can talk to. There are also a number of organisations that you can talk to, such as the eating disorders charity beat (0845 634 1414) or in the US at the National Eating Disorders Helpline (1-800-931-2237)* and the Samaritans (08457 90 90 90) or Samaritans USA (1-800-273-TALK)*.
Your GP (family doctor*) can also give you advice and talk to you about getting a diagnosis and the possible treatment options, which will depend upon your individual circumstances and the type of eating disorder you have.
Worried that a Friend or Relative has an Eating Disorder?
If you are concerned about a friend or family member, it can be difficult to know what to do. It is common for someone with an eating disorder to be secretive and defensive about their eating and their weight, and they are likely to deny being unwell.
For tips on how to approach and talk to your child about eating disorders, go to Advice for parents. For advice for teens on how help a friend see Supporting someone with an eating disorder.
You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from beat by calling their helpline on 0845 634 1414. They also have a designated youth helpline on 0845 634 7650. (*or in the US you can call an advisor on the National Eating Disorder Helpline at 1-800-931-2237)
From www.nhs.uk
AMC is Expanding Sensory Friendly Films – See Pan Twice!
Last updated on October 14th, 2015 at 05:26 pm
AMC Entertainment (AMC) is expanding their Sensory Friendly Films program, in partnership with the Autism Society! Now families affected by autism or other special needs can have TWO opportunities each month to enjoy a family-friendly movie in a safe and accepting environment – and sensory friendly screenings of movies for older audiences are also being added to meet the needs of others on the autism spectrum. The traditional family-oriented movies will still be screened on Saturday mornings, while films for older viewers will be shown two Tuesdays each month at 7pm.
As always, the movie auditoriums will have their lights turned up and the sound turned down. Families will be able to bring in snacks to match their child’s dietary needs (i.e. gluten-free, casein-free, etc.), there are no advertisements or previews before the movie and it’s totally acceptable to get up and dance, walk, shout, talk to each other…and even sing – in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced during movie screenings unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
Does it make a difference? Absolutely! Imagine …no need to shhhhh your child. No angry stares from other movie goers. Many parents think twice before bringing a child to a movie theater. Add to that your child’s special needs and it can easily become cause for parental panic. But on this one day a month, for this one screening, everyone is there to relax and have a good time, everyone expects to be surrounded by kids – with and without special needs – and the movie theater policy becomes “Tolerance is Golden“.
AMC and the Autism Society will be showing Pan this Saturday, October 10th at 10am – and on Tuesday, October 13th, at 7pm (all local times). Tickets are $4 to $6 depending on the location. To find a theatre near you, here is a list of AMC theatres nationwide participating in this fabulous program (note: to access full list, please scroll to the bottom of the page).
Coming later in October: Goosebumps (Sat, 10/24) and Jem and the Holograms (Tues, 10/27)
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Editor’s note: Although Pan has been chosen by the Autism Society as this month’s Sensory Friendly screening, we do want parents to know that it is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for fantasy action violence, language and some thematic material. As always, please check the IMDB Parents Guide for a more detailed description of this film to determine if it is right for you and your child.
Study: Negative Parenting Linked with Kids Being Bullied
Last updated on October 11th, 2015 at 11:15 pm
“Children who have overprotective parents are more likely to be bullied by their peers,” BBC News explains.
The news correctly presents the findings of a major study on the effects of parenting on a child’s risk of being bullied, but it focuses on the weakest finding of the research.
The study did suggest that overprotective parents may increase a child’s risk of being bullied by their peers. However, the study also found that children with neglectful or abusive parents had an even greater increased risk of being bullied.
The headlines could also have focused on the more positive results – researchers found that children brought up in an emotionally warm environment with clearly defined rules about right and wrong were less likely to be bullied. This finding is interesting given the recent news about the potentially positive effects of ‘tough-love’ parenting.
Further studies into the association between parenting and a child’s chance of being bullied could shed additional light on the importance of a parent’s behaviour. While the findings of this study are interesting, it is not easy to see how it could be used to persuade people to change their parenting styles for the better.
Worried that your child is being bullied?
Signs that your child may be being bullied include:
- Coming home with damaged or missing clothes, without money they should have or with scratches and bruises.
- Having trouble with homework for no apparent reason.
- Using a different route between home and school.
- Feeling irritable, easily upset or particularly emotional.
If you are concerned, you should talk both to your child and to their school. If this fails to resolve the problem, there are several organisations that may be of assistance.
Read more advice for parents who are worried their child is being bullied.
Where did the story come from?
The study was carried out by researchers from the University of Warwick and Kingston University London and was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and the Qatar National Research Fund.
The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Child Abuse and Neglect.
Media coverage of this review largely focused on one of eight studied parenting styles (overprotection or “mollycoddling”). While the Daily Mail at least mentioned the larger detrimental effects of other parenting styles, some outlets (including the BBC News and the Daily Express) focused solely on the impact of overprotective parents.
The fact that the study found that a more positive parenting style – combining a mixture of emotional warmth and “firm but fair” rules – was linked with reduced chance of being bullied was not highlighted in the reporting of the study.
What kind of research was this?
The study was a combination of a systematic review and meta-analysis. It examined the relationship between parenting styles, parent-child relationships and bullying.
Researchers believe that family experiences and parenting style before children start school can influence the child’s capacity to adapt and cope at school. This can influence their relationships with schoolmates, making a child less, or more, vulnerable to bullying from their peers.
The researchers pooled the results from both prospective cohort studies and cross-sectional studies. This was to investigate the association between parenting behaviour and victimisation, and from this to identify parenting styles and family relationships that may increase the risk of victimisation.
What did the research involve?
The researchers searched the available literature for cohort and cross-sectional studies of the association between parenting behaviour and peer victimisation or bullying. They included studies that were published between 1970 and 2012 and provided a measure of relational, physical, verbal or cyberbullying.
The researchers identified parenting variables that they classified into positive and negative parenting behaviours.
The positive parenting behaviours were:
- Authoritative parenting (highly demanding, but also highly responsive parents)
- Parent-child communication
- Parental involvement and support
- Supervision
- Warmth and affection
The negative parenting behaviours were:
- Abuse or neglect
- Maladaptive parenting (high levels of hostility, hitting and shouting)
- Overprotection (or mollycoddling, as the media termed it)
The researchers included studies that recorded two types of child outcomes – victims and those who were both bullies and victims (bully/victims). They pooled the results of identified studies for each of these parenting styles to determine whether there were specific types of parenting behaviour that were associated with either the risk of being bullied or becoming a bully/victim.
The size of the effect of parenting on a child’s risk of being bullied or becoming a bully/victim was estimated using a statistical scale called ‘Hedge’s g’. This scale is widely used to assess the impact of different types of effect or effect size. For example:
- A small effect would be a Hedge’s g measurement of 0.20
- A medium effect would be a Hedge’s g measurement of 0.50
- A large effect would be a Hedge’s g measurement of 0.80
A negative effect indicates a lower likelihood of victims of bullying having parents with that particular behaviour or style compared with non-victims.
What were the basic results?
The researchers identified 70 cohort and cross-sectional studies that met the inclusion criteria. These studies included 208,778 children and young people aged between 4 and 25 years. The researchers found that different parenting styles were associated with varying risk of being bullied or becoming a bully/victim.
Both victims and bully/victims were more likely to be exposed to negative parenting behaviour including abuse and neglect as well as maladaptive and overprotective parenting (effect size 0.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.16 to 0.37). When examining the types of negative parenting styles, the researchers found that all had a significant association with victimisation, including:
- Abusive or neglectful parents (effect size 0.31, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.44)
- Maladaptive parenting (effect size 0.27, 95 CI 0.15 to 0.40)
- Overprotective parents (effect size 0.10, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.17)
Conversely, overall, positive parenting behaviour had a small but significant effect, reducing the likelihood of the child being bullied or becoming a bully/victim (effect size -0.19, 95% CI -0.23 to -0.15). All five of their selected styles were associated with lower likelihood of being bullied:
- Authoritative parents (effect size -0.19, 95% CI -0.28 to -0.11)
- Good parent-child communication (effect size -0.12, 95% CI -0.20 to -0.05)
- Involved and supportive parents (effect size -0.22, 95% CI -0.29 to -0.15)
- Parents providing supervision (effect size -0.16, 95% CI -0.21 to -0.12)
- Warm and affectionate parents (effect size -0.22, 95% CI -0.30 to -0.14)
For victims, the effects were generally small to moderate for positive parenting styles (effect size -0.12 to -22) and negative parenting styles (effect size 0.10 to 0.31). For bully/victims the effects were generally moderate for positive parenting styles (-0.17 to -0.42) and negative parenting styles (0.13 to 0.68).
How did the researchers interpret the results?
The researchers concluded that negative parenting styles are associated with “small to moderate effects on victim status at school” and that “intervention programs against bullying should extend their focus beyond schools to include families and start before children enter school“.
Conclusion
This research suggests that certain parenting styles may protect children against bullying risk. These include:
- Being authoritative
- Being involved and supportive
- Being warm and affectionate
- Having good communication with your child
- Providing appropriate supervision
On the other hand, negative parenting styles were linked with an increased likelihood of being bullied. The researchers defined negative parenting styles as both “caring too much” or being overprotective and “not caring enough” or being neglectful.
Most of the headlines state that ‘mollycoddling’ your children increases their risk of being bullied. While these headlines are supported by this research, overprotective parenting styles were in fact associated with the smallest effect on bullying risk of the eight styles investigated.
The researchers point out that the other two negative parenting styles (abuse and neglect, and maladaptive parenting) were far more likely to increase the risk of a child being bullied.
The review assessed the effects of these parenting behaviours on the likelihood of the child both being a victim of bullying as well as bullying others. Generally, the relationships between parenting and the child bullying others were stronger than those between parenting and victimisation alone. Sadly, this more important finding was largely ignored by the media.
The researchers suggest that, “intervention programs that target children who are exposed to harsh or abusive parenting, may prevent peer victimization”. They also conclude that “parental training programs may be necessary to strengthen supportive involvement and warm and affectionate parenting to improve family relationships and prevent or reduce victimization by peers”.
Read more advice and information about bullying.
Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter.
Summary
“Children who have overprotective parents are more likely to be bullied by their peers,” BBC News explains. The news correctly presents the findings of a major study on the effects of parenting on a child’s risk of being bullied, but it focuses only on the weaker findings.
Links to Headlines
- Over-protected children ‘more likely to be bullied’. BBC News, April 26 2013
- Youngsters mollycoddled by their parents ‘are more likely to be bullied by their peers’. Mail Online, April 26 2013
- Spoiled children are most bullied. Daily Express, April 26 2013
Links to Science
- Lereya ST, Samara M, Wolke D. Parenting behavior and the risk of becoming a victim and a bully/victim: A meta-analysis study. Child Abuse & Neglect. Published online April 25 2013
Hotel Transylvania 2 is Sensory Friendly at AMC Tomorrow
Last updated on September 30th, 2015 at 06:09 pm
AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and with other special needs “Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings” every month – a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fun new films in a safe and accepting environment.
The movie auditoriums will have their lights turned up and the sound turned down. Families will be able to bring in snacks to match their child’s dietary needs (i.e. gluten-free, casein-free, etc.), there are no advertisements or previews before the movie and it’s totally acceptable to get up and dance, walk, shout, talk to each other…and even sing – in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced during movie screenings unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
Does it make a difference? Absolutely! Imagine …no need to shhhhh your child. No angry stares from other movie goers. Many parents think twice before bringing a child to a movie theater. Add to that your child’s special needs and it can easily become cause for parental panic. But on this one day a month, for this one screening, everyone is there to relax and have a good time, everyone expects to be surrounded by kids – with and without special needs – and the movie theater policy becomes “Tolerance is Golden“.
This Saturday September 26th, at 10am local time, the Autism Society’s “Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings” program will be showing the Hotel Transylvania 2. Tickets are $4 to $6 depending on the location. To find a theatre near you, here is a list of AMC theatres nationwide participating in this fabulous program (note: to access full list, please scroll to the bottom of the page).
Coming in October: Pan
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Editor’s note: Although Hotel Transylvania 2 has been chosen by the Autism Society as this month’s Sensory Friendly screening, we do want parents to know that it is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for some scary images, action and rude humor. As always, please check the IMDB Parents Guide for a more detailed description of this film to determine if it is right for you and your child.
