Is Heartstopper Age-Appropriate to Watch With Your Kids?

The Netflix series Heartstopper has garnered attention due to its youthful narrative and depiction of LGBTQ+ relationships. If you haven’t given the show a try, it’s just the right time while season 3 is on its way.

But if you're thinking about watching the series with your kids, it's important to know if it's suitable for their age. Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect.

The series is rated TV-14, implying that it may not be suitable for children under 14 years old. The core of this rating revolves around some thematic elements present in the series.

For instance, there are instances of profanity, discussions about sex and intimacy, and scenarios that depict bullying and homophobia. A particular point to note is the use of a gay slur and an on-screen assault, albeit not graphic, which could be sensitive topics for younger viewers.

While season one is generally considered appropriate, season two delves deeper into topics like self-harm and eating disorders. Some parents on Reddit suggest previewing season two before letting the kids watch.

On a happier note, Heartstopper is often described as a super sweet and heartwarming take on teen romance. Parents and kids both love it because it shows emotions in a genuine way and features kind-hearted characters going through the rollercoaster of young love.

If you're concerned about swearing, the good news is that it's minimal. As for nudity, there's none, unless you count a shirtless scene or two.

The series also portrays positive LGBTQ+ relationships, which could serve as a significant conversation starter about love, acceptance, and understanding with your older kids.

It models healthy communication, differentiates between good and bad relationships, and showcases a supportive friend group. One parent even mentioned how they used the show as a tool to discuss consent, respect, and mental health with their 11-year-old.

Some scenes could make parents or younger kids uncomfortable, like instances where characters are making out or discussing sex. However, the consensus seems to be that the series handles these topics in a light and age-appropriate manner.

So, If you decide to watch it with your kids, it could open the door to some meaningful discussions.

Source: Reddit