Ozark parents guide: Why you shouldn't let your children watch the Netlfix crime drama, explained

Ozark portrays the story of a man who is a financial planner and gets entangled in the drug-dealing business of an influential Mexican cartel. The show, despite being a masterclass when it comes to storytelling, is also filled with violence, crime, and explicit realism. Therefore, though it might give you chills, it can hamper ideas in the minds of your young child if viewed together.

Many parents who are thinking about watching the show with their young teens and kids must reconsider their decision. The show is rated TV-MA, which means it is intended for mature audiences with seventeen or more years of age. Therefore, you shouldn't let your young kids be exposed to the show as many scenes, if taken literally on face value, they can be dangerous for a child.

Read on to know more.

Why you shouldn't let your children watch the Netflix crime drama, Ozark?

Choosing suitable content for children could be overwhelming for parents, especially nowadays, when each platform is streaming countless shows, blurring the lines between drama and darkness.

The Netflix show is one of them and portrays a story where a financial planner gets stuck in some money laundering deals of Mexican drug cartels. He is now desperate to save his family, and for that, he sends them to the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. But the problem doesn't end there. Byrde's wife and children further become entangled with local criminals, corrupt politicians, and violent cartel members.

Therefore, the narrative suggests themes of drugs and violence. It also features moral compromise, greed, and survival as the protagonist makes some horrifying decisions under pressure. All of this, if not properly addressed and taken on face value, could be misunderstood by the kids and could mould their understanding in an immoral way. The show is psychologically gripping, and parents must not forget the impact cinema creates on anyone's mind, being the audio-visual medium it is.

The show contains frequent scenes involving shooting, torture, drug trafficking, and murder. Characters often rely on psychological manipulation. There is also strong s*xual content, occasional nudity, and heavy language throughout. This is the reason why the show's explicit realism and emotional weight could be harmful for kids.

Parents must look into what their kid might normalise without complete knowledge of right and wrong and the maturity to contextualise deceit and violence. Moreover, Ozark thrives on a constant atmosphere of tension. Its moody cinematography, haunting music, and unpredictable character deaths can create anxiety and unease in younger viewers.

Some points parents should keep in mind to make a wise decision about watching Ozark

The Internet is filled with reports that say exposure to violent or explicit content makes the chold insensitive and can alter their emotional development. It may desensitize them to real-world violence while also increasing anxiety and aggression among them. They might form distorted views on morality and relationships.

If your teenager wants to see the show, consider watching it together while discussing the themes and scenes beforehand. So that they take up the right information out of it. Talk about emotions and their understanding of deceit, drugs, or crime.

You can also divert them to a more fun and age-appropriate show and let them watch that instead. Parents must consider private viewing first before they decide if their kids should view this show.

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The bottom line remains not to let your kids watch Ozark, as it is only meant for adult audiences.

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