Squid Game parents guide: Why shouldn't you let your kids watch the Netflix thriller? Explained

A still from the show (Image via Apple TV)
A still from the show (Image via Apple TV)

Squid Game, since its release, has become one of the most thrilling shows on Netflix. The Korean drama based on survival gained many fans. It kept them on the edge of their seat with its intense storyline. However, the parents are wondering whether their children should watch this show. The premise features intense and explosive content. This raised questions for younger audiences.

Squid Game has received an adult rating, indicating that it is meant to be watched by adult audiences. The series contains strong language and unsettling content. Many schools have already informed the parents about their kids mimicking concerning scenes from the show.

The analysis of what makes Squid Game unsuitable for kids helps parents determine their viewing allowance further. This guide explains the specific themes, warnings, and reasons behind the age restrictions for this Netflix show.

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What is the age rating for Squid Game?

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Netflix has already given the show a TV-MA rating. This rating is reserved for content that is not suitable for audiences above 17 years. Additionally, the rating is considered the highest level for television content in terms of maturity. Every episode contains themes and material that can be potentially disturbing for vulnerable kids.

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Why is the violence in Squid Game and matter of concern?

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Several instances of Squid Game feature graphic and extreme violence. The premise of the show follows deadly childhood games where losing means sudden death. Several people are stabbed, killed, and shot throughout the runtime of the show. The series displays excessive bloodshed and dead bodies in many sequences.

Many characters are thrown from great heights, and their dismembered bodies are shown later. One graphic sequence also indicates an individual getting their eyeballs removed. The violence comes with both psychological and physical influence. The players turn against each other to survive and resort to unimaginable violence.

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Other mature content that appears on Squid Game

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The show contains extreme language and obscenity throughout its runtime. Additionally, there is sexual content that appears in some episodes and also includes minor nudity. The series depicts heavy alcohol consumption and intense smoking. Additionally, the consumption of drugs and their effects are also shown in the show.

But the biggest concern is the graphic depiction of suicide in several episodes. Mental health experts have also come up and warned about its effect on younger and vulnerable viewers.

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The psychological impact of Squid Game on kids

The psychological influence goes beyond what kids witness on the screens. The show deals with themes of debt, desperation, and human cruelty.

The characters in the show encounter complicated moral dilemmas. This creates emotional struggle and trauma that young viewers fail to process. The kids can potentially experience nightmares, anxiety, and fear. The constant stress can affect their mental well-being.


Are children still watching Squid Game after the warning?

There are high chances that kids are accessing the series through several platforms. The content shown in the series is also available on YouTube and other sites accessible to children.

The schools have additionally reported students mimicking violent scenes from the show, and some kids as young as kindergarten age have been exposed to the content through social media.


Can grow up teens watch the show?

The answers to this question depend on the maturity level of the person. Some grown-up teens may deal with the content better than others. Regardless, parents should watch episodes along with them to keep track of what they are watching.

The parents will need to keep track of what their children are watching. They can access parental controls on Netflix and other platforms.

Squid Game is not considered appropriate for children based on the violence and psychological chaos it depicts. The parents will need to put age restrictions.

Edited by Zainab Shaikh