I don't think so. Maybe teenagers over 13
could
handle it. Some of them are mature enough to understand what's going on and appreciate the movie at the same time. Hell, I saw
Requiem for a Dream
when I was 12 and I grew up just fine (
although exposure to that kind of films at a young age is probably the reason I tend to say stuff that people often find inappropriate uhm
).
But no, I wouldn't show this movie to a kid.

My parents showed me this film when I was 11 and I turned out fine.

Exactly.

I watched it in 7th grade, and then sat all the neighborhood kids through it. They obviously hated it, and me. I myself, loved it. I also loved eraserhead, in 6th grade. It all depends on the person. For the most part No kids couldn't handle it, for the most part adults can't handle this.

I'd say older teens could handle it. Younger teens will likely be confused.

I don't see why not, if they have the emotional maturity to handle it.

I myself saw this film when I was a teenager, I thought it was a good film, still think it is. I probably would not recommend it to anyone say, under the age of 14-15..dunno, that's just me though. children are exposed to a lot younger and younger these days.

If I had kids, and I thought they could handle certain adult themes and challenging ideas, I would be all for letting them watch a variety of R-rated movies at my discretion, much as I did when my younger brother watched movies with me during my teenage years, but Happiness is one I would definitely never show a child. I'm with the_badman, this is something I think a teenager could handle, but there is no chance I would ever show it to a kid.
Trailer For My Second Feature

I think you could, and possibly even should watch this with a young teenager.But a child? No, anyone under the age of 12 shouldn't even know this film exists.

There is nothing to discuss. The answer is, flatly, NO.

The only thing I wouldn't show them over this would be actual child porn.

If there is a film children can't handle, that is this.

Children could handle this film in as much as it won't burn their hands if you ask them to hand it to you - that's about it.