Is Twilight appropriate for a 12-year-old?

Last Updated: 03.07.2025 00:40

Is Twilight appropriate for a 12-year-old?

Any genuine interaction risks this, as the stalker is in love with their idea of the person, not the actual person. Behavioral or personality traits, even interests that diverge from that super compelling idea of the person may create revulsion or hatred, up to and including violence, in people who are obsessed with someone.

It’s dangerous no matter how you slice it, life-threateningly dangerous, and encouraging young people to see behavior this toxic as romantic and a sign of love is socioculturally poisonous. We risk people’s lives by teaching them these things.

Don’t teach them that stalking is romantic. Just don’t.

What do flat earthers think about Antarctica?

Edward and Bella’s relationship starts because Edward stalks Bella. He watches her in her sleep and he followers her around; him following her is revealed when he jumps out to save her, the implication being that it’s good he stalked her. We’re supposed to see this behavior as him loving her, caring about her, and being willing and able to protect her.

Sure, it’s a good story. But let’s not. Jondo Singing by Julio Romero de Torres. Public domain.

But, and this is key, stalkers will also act to protect themselves from their beloved if their beloved falters by acting in less-than-perfect ways.

Don't miss the crescent moon shining close to Mars on May 31 - Space

You can keep it in your books for adults. Adults know things that seem sexy in books can be horrific in real life. But kids learn how to live their lives from the fantasies they read.

Rejecting the stalker is even more perilous. This is the harshest possible challenge to their romantic obsession, and they will respond by trying to prove themselves—that is, by intensifying their stalking—or by immediately devaluing the beloved and lashing out, often violently.

Which is how many real-life stalkers see themselves. They’re so in love, they can’t help themselves. If anything happened to their beloved, they’d give up anything, take any kind of beating to protect them.

I have received a fake legal notice, with unreachable phone number and unidentified address and fake lawyer enrollment number. The notice has caused my family severe stress. I know the person who might have done this illegal act. What should I do?

No. The relationship modelling is horrific, and children are especially vulnerable to false messages on this front.