Many families use streaming services so their children can watch shows and movies that may not be available with their television provider. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, HBO Go and other services all offer the ability to watch shows and movies on their home television, laptop, tablet or other device. However, not everything on these sites is appropriate for all ages. It’s important to know what your children are watching, since some shows contain graphic adult content. While it may seem harmless, digital content heavily influences young minds. Below are some popular shows on Netflix that might be too adult for your children.
“Orange is the New Black”
This Netflix original show details life in an all-female detention facility. “Orange is the New Black” reveals the heartbreaking circumstances that brought many of the women to the prison. However, this show has explicit sexual content, scenes of violence, and other disturbing images that parents may not find appropriate for their children.
“American Horror Story”
This Ryan Murphy creation is popular with a wide variety of viewers, especially teens. Each season has its own distinct storyline. While the cinematic content is compelling and the show is well-produced, it isn’t fit for children, due to gore, violence, sexual content, drug use, shootings and more.
“13 Reasons Why”
With celebrity teen icon Selena Gomez as a producer for this show, it may seem harmless to let kids watch. However, “13 Reasons Why” includes graphic on-camera suicide, rape and alcohol abuse.
“Grey’s Anatomy”
Shonda Rhimes’s popular hit show has a strong viewership. It’s hard to tear yourself away from the drama, the romance and the attractive doctors. However, parents may find the show inappropriate for a younger audience, as it contains a great deal of sexual innuendo and gory images of bodily harm.
“Pretty Little Liars”
Based on a series of young adult books written by Sara Shepard, “Pretty Little Liars” is favored by a viewership that primarily consists of teenage girls. While the high school setting may seem innocent, there are certain aspects of the show (student-teacher relationships, cyberbullying, violence, etc.) that are not suitable for a young audience.
“Gossip Girl”
A series that showcases the everyday happenings of the ‘New York elite,’ this well-loved teenage drama also covers sexuality, cyberbullying, underage drinking and other content that parents may not want their children to watch.
“Family Guy”
This animated comedy is definitely more suited for an adult audience. With crude language, sexual innuendo, and gory scenes, it may be best to find a more appropriate animated television program for your kids.
Ultimately, it is up to the parents to decide what they feel comfortable with their child watching at any given age. However, making sure your child is watching the appropriate content during their screen time can help them develop safe habits and shield them from harmful materials until they are mature enough to understand it.
By Laura Jane Crocker
