My oldest three kids (ages 16, 15, and 13) were anxiously awaiting the release the 4th season of Stranger Things on Netflix in early June. I had only watched one episode from season 1 to date so I was dismissive of their anticipation.
I had no interest, that is, until a fellow dad mentioned that his 5th-grader loved the show and he didn’t know what to think about it.
“Would you let your little ones watch Stranger Things?” the fellow dad asked.
So, as any solid investigative reporter, I started watching this thriller with my littlest kid (ages 9 and 6) – and didn’t stop through season 4’s latest episodes released last week.
So, should kids watch Stranger Things?
Well, as the kids say, it’s complicated.
The Blood and Guts
No matter the season, the episodes are gory. On virtually every episode in each season, someone is killed by a variety of dramatic means. Blood is omnipresent and used as a prop as actions unfolds.
For littles ones – like my son Everett (9) and Emersyn (6) – there were a bunch of “cover your eyes” scenes. It was obvious when those “too scary” moments were going to pop up – with leading music and foreshadowing providing time to warn the littles ones that something unpleasant was about to happen.
The Monsters
As the main characters try to close the gates between the real world of Hawkins, Indiana and the evil of the “opposite down” world, they duel a variety of monsters sure to scare anyone. Some of the monsters used are human-like, others pet-like, some dinosaur-like, and others just simply terrifyingly make believe. Make no mistake – the monsters are scary for kids and parents!
Interesting enough, my youngest kids did not seem fazed by the monsters after season 1. Just maybe, they had become numb to the attacking monsters. Or, maybe they become more invested in the main characters to really pay much attention to the frightening beasts themselves.
Truth told, my two littles ones refused to watch Stranger Things just before bed. In fact, we’d typically switch the mood after night fall to a whimsy shows like Master Chef Junior before they’d retire for the evening.
No Stranger Things before bed!
I am pleased to report we did not have to address any Stranger Things related nightmares.
The Storylines
The plot of the series provided the largest gap in understanding between my older children (16, 15, and 13) and my youngest two.
My older kids soaked up the storylines, constantly voicing their opinions of what was to come, which characters were in trouble, and how the respective season might end. At the conclusion of each episode we watched, it was fun to hear their own creative spin on the direction of the next chapter.
The younger kids, conversely, had no idea of the storylines and little regard for the thick, unexpected plot twists of the show. Much of our post Stranger Things episode discussions with Everett and Emersyn were a recap of the action they’d just seen. It became clear that they really did not get it, but enjoyed the action and suspense.
The Characters
The reason, I gather, that Stranger Things has become a hit is because the binge-watching audience has seen the cast of characters grow up through the seasons. The mid-80’s, Midwestern setting perfectly frames the idea of a simpler time and place where kids (like Dustin, Mike, El, Will, and Lucas) rode bikes together without parental oversight – ah, life before Life360.
The personalities of the main characters coupled with their evolving relationships mute the show’s gore and violence. As each season progresses, we were introduced to additional characters that add more depth to the endearing story of friends battling an enemy the world has never before seen.
Each of the main characters deaden the impact of the show’s impending violence (dad joke intended).
The Swearing
If you wince when your kids encounter foul language, you will want to pass on allowing them to watch Stranger Things.
To be fair, there are no “f” words and the swearing is typically used to enhance the humor of the child actors. But, the cursing by the on-screen kids is very noticeable for all. Seeing kids swearing like foul-mouthed adults had me consistently reminding my young children that such words should not cross their lips in my presence.
Rest assured, parents who grant permission for kids to watch this should expect to hear the following phrases at their own dining room table soon:
“Son of a bitch.”
“Bull shit.”
“Holy shit.”
Not the “f” word, but not exactly Toy Story either.
How young is too young for the show?
With a TV-14 rating, Stranger Things, is very heavy for elementary school kids. The plot and villains are scary and dark. The language is halfway to vulgar. The routine bloodshed is jarring.
The characters, in stark contrast, are lovable and endearing. Further, the main characters would coin themselves “nerds” – comfortable in their own skill despite the social pressures to conform. This core group of friends has each other’s back – even if that means entering a parallel, scary dimension overcrowded by monsters that can kill them.
For me, the nostalgic friendship themes outshine the violence in Stranger Things. And, as such, I quickly became comfortable allowing my elementary schoolers to watch. That said, having watched all available episodes, my youngest kids would have been too scared to watch the series solo.
Should kids watch Stranger Things?
For middle schoolers and above – YES! If but for no other reason than to allow them to chat with their friends about the show, I’d say let them watch.
For elementary kids, though, the answer is not so simple. Parents, if you’re open to several hours of family binge watching, are okay exposing your kids to some “light” swearing, resign yourself to them seeing some violence, and if you believe your little ones can withstand “cover your eyes” scenes, then Stranger Things is a solid, family Netflix choice.
If, though, there is any doubt that the graphic scenes could cause a sleepless night for your little one, then I say skip it until the middle school years.
My kids and I watched and seem okay so far. For now, though, we’ll anxiously await the release of season 5. And, as we wait, I’ll hope that my 7-year-old doesn’t exclaim, “That’s bullshit!” when I tell her that school starts in three weeks.
