>>In the former instance, the worst thing that can happen with an equipment malfunction is an interruption of the experience.<<
Does it really teach them anything? Except that if you are afraid of something, it will all be happy in the end?
You make it sound like I’m saying, “Here little Johnny, for your fourth birthday, have a gun. Go shoot something.”
I would think that safety is taught by the parents as well.
The “fear” to be found in a theater seat is make believe.
Subjecting young children to it, teaches nothing except movies are scary.
By that logic, flight simulators are useless in pilot training.
Have a nice day.