The main character's initial encounter with the ghostly boy comes rather out of the blue and unexpectedly, and could startle some.
The scenes in the mine may also be a little scary for some, with the ghostly miners of legend making tapping noises and strange groaning sounds to warn of impending danger. There is a scene near the end where a whole team of ghostly miners are seen working and then running from the danger that cost them their lives, but whilst mildly chilling, this is not near as intense as the solo appearances of the ghostly boy.
The scenes involving an old mining captain and his tales of impending danger and past disasters might be seen as foreboding.
Overall, this a rather serious and foreboding film devoid of any slapstick scenes or comedy as seen in the earlier Children's Film Foundation films, and the supernatural characters are treated both seriously and mysteriously. It is unlikely to terrify younger viewers, but may play on their minds or possibly cause apprehension at bedtime.