Over the years, fans have been dazzled by horror movies that range from mild to wild. Depending on your scary streak, you might be more into the terrifying shapeshifting Pennywise from IT or maybe something more spiritual like Paranormal Activity.
Recently, movie studios have been ramping up their promotion of these films to make sure everyone is aware that the film is going to drop.
But that's caused a bit of a stir with some people worried that their kids are being unnecessarily spooked by the characters while out for a stroll.
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As a result, there are calls to ban advertising of horror films in public places. The Australian Council on Children in the Media is leading the charge, saying horror flicks shouldn't be promoted at places like billboards, buses or at AFL matches.
"Current research shows that it only takes a very quick exposure to a weird or scary image for a child to be haunted by it," ACCM said.
"One parent has emailed us about promotions for Annabelle Comes Home saying she has spent more than $1,000 on psychologist visits for her 10-year-old daughter after seeing adverts for the movie."
The ACCM complained to the AFL when adverts for Annabelle Comes Home was shown during a match, according to the Courier Mail.
They've made another submission to the advertising code of ethics, which will be open for submission until next month.
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University of South Australia research fellow Dr Lesley-Anne Ey has told the Courier Mail that she agrees with the idea that publicly advertising horror films can be damaging to kids.
"When children are exposed to an image that does not fit within their schemes of what they know, they tend to look more closely to try to make sense of the image. They then absorb more detail and the image becomes entrenched in their minds," she said.
When the movie adaptation of Stephen King's IT was getting ready to debut on the big screem, red balloons were being tied around Sydney and suitably scaring the bajesus out of everyone.
Each balloon is accompanied by a message which reads 'It is closer than you think', sprayed in white paint on the ground nearby.
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"OK there are floating red balloons in drains all over Sydney and I'm creeped out," wrote one Twitter user.
Another added: "Having already seen the It movie I would suggest that no one goes next to the red balloons all around Sydney."
Should horror movies be banned from advertising in public places?
Featured Image Credit: Warner Bros.Topics: Entertainment, TV and Film, Australia