How to Help a Kid Who is Scared By Movies -Avoid saying “it’s fake” as that doesn’t mean anything to kids. Children under 7-8 years old do not have the capacity to tell the difference between fantasy and reality. -Be mindful of your kid’s fears and the media they’re watching. Get familiar with what freaks them out, and avoid it. -Watch the film before your kid does, or at least watch a trailer, or read an IMDB synopsis before your kid watches the media.