Stranger Things is rated 14+, and here are parents’ guide

As a parent, you may be wondering if Stranger Things is ok for kids to watch. It is a question we have all been wondering about, seeing how the show has taken over mainstream culture. Luckily, this “Stranger Things Parents Guide” will provide you with just that information. In this article, I shall provide a detailed summary of aspects within the series Stranger Things. Therefore, before you press that play button on Netflix, you have to check this guide.

Is Stranger Things inappropriate?

We’re going to cut right to the chase. Stranger Things is inappropriate for what exactly? Short answer: It depends on how old your child is and of course, the level at which she or he can handle potentially scary stuff. That is why the show is rated 14+. And there are some scenes and motifs in it that are rather close to being improper.

It features aspects of supernatural horror, disturbing scenes, pictures that can cause children to have nightmares, and scenes that question the family’s morality, as a child might consider it wrong to kill or harm an animal. This show is rated ‘PG’ and is recommended for children fourteen years of age and above. From The Demogorgon, which is a beast in this show, to The Upside Down, which is a fantasy world also in the show, they have so many spine-chilling occurrences. Still, it is hard for us to think of any aspect in which some parents might find its scenes too intense and/or upsetting for children under 14.

Parents guide to Stanger Things

Age Rating

• Stranger Things is rated TV-14. It contains some material parents might not want children under 14 to see. This is a guideline and the tolerance for what an individual parent can live with will differ.

Content Warnings

• Violence and Scariness: It is, after all, a series filled with both violent and horrifying scenes. Monsters and suspense follow, while gore is a part of the equation.
• Sex, Romance, and Nudity: There are scenes of flirtatiousness and mild insinuations but nothing else beyond this spirit level in terms of sex or nudity. This includes storylines related to dating between young teenagers with scenes involving kissing and mild sexual references. But nudity is not a major element of the series.
• Language and Profanity: Sometimes the language in “Stranger Things” is reinforced. Oh and just a heads up from time to time the people on the screen do use what some people may consider ‘bad’ language, therefore, this show is not recommended for little children. It is not all-embracing but it is widespread enough to be worthy of discussion.
• Drug/Alcohol use, Smoking: It is also evident that the characters use alcohol and other substances in different scenes of the production. There are scenes where youngsters have a beer or some people having alcohol. As for the issues, which can be regarded as more essential, there are also a few scenes of smoking, which is quite logical with references to the 1980s when the show takes place.

Mature Themes or Topics

• Messages of Hope and Role Models: There is brightness in darkness too and Stranger Things also has its share of some sunshine. Subthemes of the story are, therefore, as follows Friendship, loyalty, and courage. There are real examples of courage demonstrated by the main characters, especially the group of children though it will more often be challenged at the sight of disaster. They stand by each other come what may, they are a perfect example of teamwork and bounce-back ability.
• Educational Value: Though “Stranger Things” is not an educational film, it does deal with many cultural and historical references that could likely pique the interest of a certain demographic. The series is set during the 1980s. And it joins components of the time frame in music to form, which works as a springboard for exchanges about history just like the popular culture of that era.
• Consumerism: There is some capitalism in the show, mostly subtle consumerism (more 80s references to brands and products.) The show has been quick to mine nostalgia for all its charming and/or commercial worth.
• Diversity Representation: Stranger Things has tried to be more inclusive and diverse with characters, and clients. Although there are characters from different ethnicities who play major roles, the diversity factor is still highly missing. It even discusses topics such as bullying and social ostracism, while featuring well-rounded female characters who defy preconceived notions of what roles women should play.
• Overall Tone and Intensity: The series mixes supernatural horror elements with a light touch of humor. So the prevailing tone here is suspense and thriller. There are scenes, especially involving the Upside Down and its monsters, which can run extremely high on tension.
• Specific Scene Descriptions: Stranger Things boasts a few unforgettable moments. This is done with just the right amount of terror; the first encounter with one Demogorgon and at other times when characters are left precariously in harm’s way. The Upside Down is nastier than we have ever borne to see, and the tension is ridiculous in the show.

Why is Stranger Things 14+?

Stranger Things combines mature themes, scary scenes, and infrequent coarse language. Rated 14+, it is a show that could entertain both teenagers and adults. It is based on archetypes with powerful adult themes in terms of horror, suspense, and mature presentation. But the result would not necessarily be appropriate for younger children. The TV-14 rating clearly indicates that the show may not be suitable for children below 14 years unless watched with parents.

What is the main story of Stranger Things?

This television series is created and produced by the Duffer Brothers and premiered on Netflix and it is based in the 1980s in the town of Hawkins, Indiana. It starts with a mysterious event of a little kid, Will Byers who goes missing one day. When the kids look for information, they unravel a series of exciting mysteries such as secret government experiments, creepy supernatural occurrences, and Eleven–a little girl with telekinetic abilities.

The series focuses on the discovery of an unknown parallel world, called the Upside Down which is swarming with evil monsters. These dangers are addressed by the teenagers and miscellaneous adult figures in the kids’ lives. It is a blend of science fiction, horror, and coming-of-age drama that does not have a hint of redundancy in it.

Why is Stranger Things so popular?

• Nostalgia: While tapping heavily into the 80s, reminiscent of many key fans’ childhood years it acts as a shed load of nostalgia for kids or adults born after.
• Strong Performances: Every character is well-developed and empathetic, with standout performances from the entire ensemble including all of those young actors.
• Interesting Storyline: The story has elements of the supernatural, shadowy government conspiracies, and personal drama that hold viewers’ attention.
• Emotional Connection: In addition to the horror and suspense aspects of Stranger Things, it deals with other typical human struggles such as friendship, family, and courage leading people from all walks of life to be able to relate on a certain level.

FlashGet Kids advice on watching Stranger Things

Parent Recommendations

Due to the nature of what plays out in “Stranger Things,” a good rule of thumb would seem like viewing it together with children under 14 (or maybe slightly older) if you do plan on sitting down and watching. That way, you can talk about potentially upsetting scenes and put the mature topics into perspective.

Potential Discussion Topics

Even though I’ve talked a lot about how this show is bad for your kid, you can still use it as a foundation to teach your child. Here are a few talking points that I’d consider sharing with my kid.

• Fear and Courage – Share how kids can be brave and work together to overcome even the harshest circumstances.
• Friendship and Loyalty. Make your kid realize that they need to help their friends and make them bring their best self forward.
• Empathy. Use the myriad of characters and their experiences in the show as a way to discuss empathy and viewing perspectives from others.
• The show covers loss and how each character deals with it. And this show has a great way to start talking about the emotions surrounding this.

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