So, your tween or teen is eager to dive into Stranger Things, right? I can picture their excitement! The show has not only launched a wave of young talent but also captures the lives of kids who feel relatable to them. You might think, “If it’s about a 12-year-old, it can’t be that frightening,” but hold on a second. Is Stranger Things really scary? That can depend on who you ask.
If you’re trying to figure out if this series is suitable for your kid, we’ve done some research to help you decide if your child is ready to venture into Hawkins, Indiana, and encounter Demogorgons. After all, every kid is unique. Some are more sensitive to creepy content than others—even within the same family or friend circle. What one tween can handle might be too much for another. Personally, my partner loves the show, while I just can’t cope with the scares. I’ll own up to being a total scaredy-cat!
So, is Stranger Things scary? Is your kid prepared for it? Let’s break it down.
What’s Stranger Things About?
At this point, it seems like everyone and their dog has seen Stranger Things, but just in case you haven’t, here’s the scoop. The show kicks off when a young boy goes missing in the small town of Hawkins in 1983, throwing the community into chaos. His friends and family are desperate for answers, and soon more disappearances follow. As the kids and their parents search for their friend, they stumble upon a parallel universe (the Upside Down), face off against terrifying monsters (like the Demogorgon), and more. Alongside the chilling sci-fi elements, the show offers a touching look at teenage friendships and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with them.
What’s the Age Rating for Stranger Things?
Netflix has given Stranger Things a TV-14 rating, indicating that they believe it’s not suitable for children under 14. That said, every 14-year-old is different. I was able to watch some pretty intense stuff at that age, while some of my cousins were still flinching during scary scenes in cartoons.
Common Sense Media, a trusted resource for parents, rates it as appropriate for kids aged 13 and up, while parents and kids lean towards a 12+ age range. However, it’s not uncommon for parents to let younger kids enjoy the show if they think they can handle it. I know some daring preteens, like 10 and 11-year-olds, who are obsessed with it. Plus, one of our editors and her 10-year-old daughter watch it together, fast-forwarding through the more mature content. For me, those Christmas lights will never look the same! (If you know, you know.)
Is Stranger Things Scary?
The show doesn’t shy away from gore and unsettling scenes. There are monsters that sometimes eat people, blood, violence, and even dead bodies. The visual effects can be quite terrifying—just wait until you see the Demogorgons! Several scenes involve teens facing life-threatening situations, which adds to the emotional intensity.
There are also other mature themes to consider: sexual references (always implied, never explicit), strong language, and risky teen behaviors like smoking and drinking. While these aren’t “scary,” they’re worth keeping in mind as you evaluate if it’s appropriate for your child.
What About Jump Scares?
Stranger Things dives deep into the 1980s and teen life, but let’s be real—there are jump scares that can catch even the bravest viewers off guard! Here are a few notable moments to be aware of:
- Season 1
Episode 1: 00:00:45 – A panicked man bursts through a door.
Episode 2: 00:00:33 – A screech interrupts a quiet scene.
How Can You Tell If Your Kid Can Handle It?
The best approach is to watch the show yourself first (sorry, fellow scaredy-cats!). You know what your kids are already consuming in terms of media and games. Consider what other thrillers or horror shows they’ve seen and how they reacted afterward. If they were scared enough to crawl into bed with you, they might not be ready for Stranger Things. But if they enjoy shows like Riverdale or Sabrina and dress up as Michael Myers for Halloween, they’re probably good to go!
If you do let them watch, it’s unlikely to leave lasting scars. Psychology Today states that even if there are some negative effects of screen time, they’re usually minimal. The most likely outcomes are temporary fears—like being afraid of the dark or having some nightmares.
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In summary, whether Stranger Things is scary or not can vary widely depending on your child’s personality and sensitivity to frightening content. It’s always a good idea to gauge their readiness personally before diving into the Upside Down!
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