Netflix
So your tween or teen is eager to dive into Stranger Things—they might even be begging for it! The show has catapulted a fresh wave of young actors into the spotlight, and it centers around the lives of kids their age. But just because it’s about a 12-year-old doesn’t mean it’s not frightening… right? It really depends on who you ask. If you’re contemplating whether this series is suitable for your child, we’ve gathered some insights to help you decide if they’re ready to explore Hawkins, Indiana, and confront Demogorgons.
Each child has their own unique tolerance for scary content, even those in the same family or friend group. What one tween can handle might be completely inappropriate for another. For instance, my friend Alex enjoys the show, but I cannot bear to watch it—my fear threshold is practically non-existent!
So, is Stranger Things too scary? Here’s what you should consider.
What’s Stranger Things About?
At this point, it seems like almost everyone has seen Stranger Things, but if you haven’t, here’s a brief overview. The series kicks off in 1983 when a young boy goes missing, sending the small town of Hawkins into a frenzy. His friends, family, and local sheriff embark on a mission to find him, leading them to uncover an alternate dimension known as The Upside Down, a menacing monster called the Demogorgon, and much more. Amid the thrilling sci-fi elements, the show also captures the essence of teenage friendships and the ups and downs of adolescence.
What’s the Age Rating for Stranger Things?
Netflix has assigned Stranger Things a TV-14 rating, suggesting it may not be suitable for anyone under 14. However, not all 14-year-olds are alike. I personally watched much scarier things at that age, while some of my cousins would flinch at the slightest hint of violence.
Common Sense Media, a widely referenced parenting resource, rates the show as appropriate for ages 13 and up, with parents and kids both agreeing that it’s fine for those 12 and older. Interestingly, many parents report allowing younger children to watch it, believing their kids can handle the content. I know two adventurous preteens, ages 10 and 11, who adore the show, and one of our contributors enjoys watching it with her 10-year-old daughter, fast-forwarding through the more intense parts.
Is Stranger Things Scary?
The series certainly doesn’t shy away from gore and unsettling themes. There are monsters that do eat people, blood, violence, and even dead bodies. The visual effects are impressively horrifying, particularly the Demogorgons and Demodogs, which can be truly nightmare-inducing. Expect emotionally charged scenes featuring young teens in perilous situations.
Beyond the horror elements, be aware of mature content like sexual innuendos (always implied, never explicit), strong language, and risky teenage behavior (like smoking and drinking). While these aspects aren’t “scary,” they are important to consider when assessing if it’s right for your child.
Where Are the Jump Scares in Stranger Things?
While Stranger Things explores various themes from the ’80s and teenage life, it does contain some genuine jump scares. Here’s a sneak peek:
- Season 1, Episode 1:
00:00:45 – A panicked man bursts through a door.
00:45:44 – An object crashes into Billy’s car.
00:46:38 – Something rushes across the screen as Billy leans on the car.
00:01:29 – A man is seized by a creepy creature as the elevator door shuts.
00:05:49 – A sudden noise startles Will, who spots a creature on the road. - Season 1, Episode 2:
00:00:33 – A screech interrupts a quiet scene.
00:16:32 – Billy unexpectedly hits Mrs. Wheeler.
00:31:46 – A sudden flashback evokes a scream from Billy.
How to Determine If Your Kid Can Handle It
The best way to assess if your child is ready for Stranger Things is to watch it yourself (sorry, fellow wimps!). You know your kid’s interests and what other shows or movies they can handle. Have they been fine with other thrillers? If they’ve had nightmares or needed comfort after similar content, they might not be ready for this series. Conversely, if they’re fans of shows like Riverdale or Sabrina, they’ll likely be just fine.
If you opt to let them watch, it’s unlikely to cause lasting trauma (and we all worry about that, don’t we?). As noted by Psychology Today, most negative effects from screen exposure are minimal, with transient fears being the most common outcome, like increased fear of the dark or trouble sleeping.
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Summary
Ultimately, deciding whether Stranger Things is suitable for your tween requires understanding their sensitivity to scary content, alongside your own experiences with similar shows. Watching the series yourself can provide valuable context in making this decision.
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