Is Squid Game Appropriate For Kids?

Story by Armani Green. Photo from Netflix.com.

On September 17, 2021, a show called “Squid Game” came out on Netflix. The show was filmed in Seoul, South Korea. According to CNN, “Squid Game has amassed a huge following, with Netflix reporting that 111 million accounts had watched the anti-capitalist drama in less than a month since its debut, calling the show its "biggest-ever series at launch." Halloween costumes inspired by the show are also topping internet searches, while viral challenges inspired by the show can be found on TikTok. On Netflix, the show has a rating of TV-MA, meaning it may not be suitable for teenagers under 17. And yet the show has found its way to those far younger, drawing concerns from doctors.” 

Is it appropriate for kids to watch Squid Game? For a kid's perspective, I am asking a student from Friendship Woodridge International School. He is going to tell me what he liked about the show and what he disliked about it, and if he thinks it is appropriate for kids to watch.

Zephan Pittman: “I liked nothing about it. I disliked all the stabbing in the show. I do not think it is appropriate for kids to watch because of its nudity.”

Next I am going to ask an adult what he thinks about it. He is going to tell me what he liked about the show and what he disliked about it, and if he thinks it is appropriate for kids to watch.

Jamaal Banks: “I like how it shows the characters’ weaknesses in life and how it affects them mentally—causing them to make terrible decisions, which are pretty risky. I disagree with kids watching the show because their brains aren’t fully matured to understand what the show is actually trying to show people. I know it's just a show but most children are easily inspired by what they see on technology. It's also good because some children will realize we live in a similar system. It just doesn’t seem like a game because life is our main focus.” 

Experts tend to agree. Doctors say no, you probably shouldn’t let your kids watch Squid Game. According to doctors at the Child Mind Institute, no one should watch the show until late adolescence, as it's just too violent. “The level of violence is horrifying—more than most shows. Parents need to know that the level of violence is very intense in Squid Game.” 

Overall, Squid Game shouldn’t be watched by kids because of how inappropriate it is due to all of the violence.

Armani Green is a 7th grader at Friendship Woodridge International School.