Movie Theater Etiquette

I don't see a propblem with it as long as you're keeping an eye on him while you're reading and as long as the backlight isn't distracting to everyone else.

I would. Like the others said... with the brightness down, sound off, and not sitting by anyone. Who cares?

Go for it, as long as you can adjust the brightness of the screen so it is not a glaring beacon.

as long as you teach your son when he is old enough, we do not talk, text or read our tablets at the "regular movies.".

Some of the teens today, just cannot understand, texting in a theater is just as bad as having a conversation, it is distracting to those around you.

I never understand why they cannot go for 2 hours without pulling out their phones..

Not only should you not sit next to anyone else, please do not sit in front of anyone else. Even with the screen dimmed, these screens are VERY distracting when in front of anyone watching anything. Even from several rows away, and you're talking here about a tablet, not even a small phone screen.

I can see why you would do this and the overall noise level, behavior etc. does create a lowered expectation that this is a place for normal movie etiquette (which to me absolutely means zero devices on, period, anywhere in the theatre). So I see your point.

But I also agree with the person who posted that it sets a bad example for your son. It will not really be possible for you to tell him "we don't use our devices in the theatre" later if he sees you doing it consistently now.

If you feel that you still want to try it, do sit in the back row, because though kids now are used to screens everywhere, other kids will be distracted by the light. You may frankly even find your own son distracted by the mere presence of the tablet, if it is a device he's used to using for the occasional game. It would be hard to tell him repeatedly "Watch the movie" if he's looking over at the tablet wanting to play. And if the movie is one he's seen before, he might be especially distracted by the tablet being right there. Just something else to consider.

ADDED: I see that you replied to the person who first said it might be a poor example. You said you son uses the tablet for games only for a few minutes and only occasionally. But bringing the tablet into an environment where he's never seen it before could make it suddenly more interesting to him. Kids are like that. Even if he gets that he's there to watch the movie, you can't control his eyes, which may just want to dart over to the smaller screen all the time, even if he doesn't ask to play a game. If that happens, what was the point of going to the movie at all?

Same as Christina. It's a $2.00 movie and they're older movies. As long as the backlighting isn't disturbing anyone (don't sit next to anyone else) and you have the sound (including clicks) turned completely off... go right ahead. :)

Sounds perfect! I think I would do the same. You'll be courteous, and if you have to put it away because your son needs you, you will. Sounds like a win win to me.

Personally, my hubs and I try to sit close to the front so we don't have to see all the people checking their phones thru the entire movie. I guess they don't get that its a FLORESCENT light that everyone can freaking see!

That being said, you are going to a kid movie with crying/talking/walking, etc kids so I dont think its a big deal. Maybe sit in the back row or the corner so it isn't bothering other adults who are actually trying to see the movie for the upteenth time. LOL!

As long as you are not near other people - like the back row...Personally? though, I would NOT do it. You are setting a bad example for your son in my book. If it's not something you want him to do as he gets older - you can't tell him "no, don't do that" when you've been doing it. That's my take.

But I will tell you that when phones come out for texting during a movie and they are a few rows ahead of me - I can see it and it drives me BONKERS!!!

However, this is a kiddie movie so who knows!! Tablets weren't around when they had these things for my kids...I did go to them and had NO expectations because I KNEW there would be crying babies and such....

It bothers me when people use there cell phones for texting or web access during the movies because the light distracts me from the movie. I guess if the theater is not crowded and you sit away from everyone and don't disturb anyone, it might be ok. Will the light from your tablet take his attention off the movie?

Girl... we go to similar kids movies and trust me, your tablet would be the last thing that would bother me. Now... the people who allow their children to hit me in the head as they run by, throw popcorn and toys and scream in my ear... that does bother me. As long as your son is engaged in the movie, go for it!

If you're in the back row not next to anyone. Otherwise it will be distracting.

Yes it would be rude. Even though you are not sitting next to someone, the light from the tablet amplifies in the dark setting of the theater. This is why cell phones are NOT allowed (texting or otherwise).

I would take it if I was you. Just sit at the back and not next to other people. I don't know if its the same where you go but here when they do cheap movies for kids/toddlers (its called "pocket money pics" here) they don't even dim the lights all the way down like a normal movie and there are kids crawling around the floor, babies making noises and even parents quietly chatting. Still no phonecalls allowed though. Plus of course your son will know that different occasions/situations call for different rules. Some folks don't give kids enough credit!! :-)

I think it's a great idea! Enjoy!! :)

And good for you for standing up for yourself. :)

I'm going to say, I absolutely HATE when I'm at a movie and someone has their phone or whatever out during the movie. It is extremely distracting to see their lit up phones while I'm trying to watch a movie. That's why they have "turn off your phone, no talking or texting during the movie" psa at the beginnings of movies. I suppose if you're in the back row and no one is in your row or the row ahead of you, it would be ok.

I know you got your answer but I have to add my 2 cents. It wouldn't B. me a bit...if its not crowded as you say, then there should be no issue at all...heck if i were there i'd probably steal your idea!!! LOL

Have fun!

Jeesh Megan...talk about RUDE!

I don't think it would be a problem. Its not like its a loud device or anything----I would try it and see what happens. Most people I would think wouldn't notice. They are there to watch the movie :)

It is a kid showing. I do not think anyone would mind. They will probably kick themselves for not thinking of it first lol. Have fun!

I doubt anyone would care. Of all the distractions (crying/babbling babies; kids talking, etc.) yours would be the least.