Feature: Why Children Love Scary Stories – And Why It’s Ok!

By Claire Monsour

As parents, carers, and educators, our primary role is to protect the children in our care – so it’s only natural to be concerned or resistant when children show an interest in the scary, the gory, and all things horror-related. Especially around this time of year when Halloween decorations are everywhere, and spooky stories are promoted, it’s reasonable to feel anxious with our children’s interest and even joy in these darker themes.

So, let’s explore some of the reasons why children may be drawn to more scary stories, and how they can actually be an important part of their development.

Firstly, it’s about curiosity; scary stories provide a place to safely explore topics that are typically “taboo”, such as monsters, danger, death, and the supernatural. They offer a peak into the darker side of life, while still being able to retreat back to safety. Children can then use horror themes to test their own emotional limits and capacity for risk. Reading a creepy story can be a form of self-assessment; a way of exploring their personal boundaries around terror, discovering the edges of their bravery, and building tolerance for the physiological responses to fear.

Speaking of physiological responses – many that are triggered by fear are the same as for excitement! Adrenaline floods the body, the heart rate increases, and the body’s senses are on high alert. Scary stories induce a “rush” that can be felt as both terrifying and thrilling. Think about a rollercoaster ride: the excruciating build-up of tension… before the shock-drop! Jump scares in horror and terror stories provide the same experience, and some kids just love it (as do some adults!). Scary stories are a safe place to experience this rush, without any physical risk.

For some children, the world of horror contributes to their developing sense of identity. Some children are drawn to characters who are the villains, the underdogs, and the anti-heroes, as they are representative of their own internal confusion, and feelings of being misunderstood. The aesthetics of the supernatural can also be very appealing; vampires, witches, ghosts, and monsters can foster a developing sense of individuality, while at the same time offer belonging to a cultural group.

A sense of belonging can also be part of the appeal of horror. Scary stories are often shared – around a campfire, at sleepovers, watching a spooky movie together, and laughing together after a big fright. Fear is a powerful bonding tool, and experiencing it with others can strengthen friendships and further develop complex comprehension skills. Enjoying and sharing scary stories draws children to peers who share their interests, and can actually extend their social circle.

And finally, exploring and experiencing scary stories can help some children to process real life trauma or fears. Horror, both for adults and children, is full of metaphors for our collective worries, conflicts, and the uncertainty of the future. For children, working through the unpredictability of life through metaphors such a zombies, monsters, or ghosts can give them the space to process their emotions, and the tools to deal with bigger issues. Facing imaginary fears through stories exposes children to emotions that they are otherwise typically shielded from, and gives them practice – and sometimes the vocabulary – for handling real fears and challenges.

Of course, it’s important to consider context. For some children, scary stories are lighthearted fun, while for others they are a coping mechanism for deeper stressors. It’s important that as parents, carers and educators we don’t shame or stereotype our children’s interests, but approach them with curiosity and an open mind. Having an interest in horror does not equate to psychopathic behaviour! Many adults enjoy horror themes in all forms of art, and there is a healthy way to foster this in our children as well (even if we don’t share their love of the scare!).

It is absolutely crucial that we are cautious and responsible about what our children have access to; not all horror content is appropriate and safe for all ages. Trust your intuition about where your child is at, and always be a safe and open person for them to approach with questions or if the fear breaches their boundaries. If you have any concerns about behaviours alongside horror-themed interests, check in with a trusted heath care or education professional. But otherwise, support your child’s interest and enjoy exploring the wonderful world of the scary together!

Visit our list – Things that go bump in the night – novels to thrill you to death

Some more popular stories:

Roald Dahl’s Book of Ghost Stories

Coraline – Neil Gaiman

The Graveyard Book – Neil Gaiman

The Witches – Roald Dahl

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark – Alvin Schwartz

The House with a Clock in it’s Walls – Lewis Barnavelt

Games – Robin Klein

Aveline Jones series – Phil Hickes

Wait till Helen Comes – Mary Downing Hahn

The Dark – Lemony Snicket

The Ghost of Miss Annabel Spoon – Aaron Blabey

Scary Night – Lesley Gibbes / Stephen Michael King

The Skull – Jon Klassen

A Monster Calls – Patrick Ness/Jim Kay

There’s a Ghost in This House – Oliver Jeffers

Pan’s Labyrinth – Guillermo del Toro / Cornelia Funke

How to make friends with a Ghost – Rebecca Green

Claire Monsour: Speech-Language Pathologist; Bibliotherapist; Mother of Two; Big Scaredy Cat