Netflix‘s Stranger Things has captivated audiences worldwide with its mix of supernatural horror, 80s nostalgia, and engaging characters. The show, created by the Duffer Brothers, revolves around a group of kids in the 1980s who discover dark secrets about their small town while dealing with strange, supernatural occurrences. The series, praised for its suspense, mystery, and emotional depth, has become a pop culture phenomenon. However, a common question arises among parents: Is Stranger Things scary for 12-year-olds?
The show contains a blend of horror, sci-fi, and adventure, leading many to wonder if it’s suitable for young viewers, especially preteens like 12-year-olds. This question is particularly relevant as the show’s darker themes evolve with each season, introducing more menacing creatures and intense plotlines. Understanding what makes a series “scary” and how Stranger Things balances its thrills and chills with its overall storyline is essential for determining its appropriateness for 12-year-olds.
In this article, we will break down the elements of Stranger Things that might be frightening for children in this age group, while also considering its narrative, character development, and how it compares to other shows and movies designed for similar audiences. We’ll also provide guidance for parents on how to decide whether Stranger Things is appropriate for their 12-year-olds.
What Makes Stranger Things Scary?
Supernatural Horror Elements
One of the defining features of Stranger Things is its supernatural horror elements. The show’s central mystery revolves around a parallel dimension called the Upside Down, where monstrous creatures like the Demogorgon and the Mind Flayer dwell. These creatures are often depicted in gruesome, unsettling ways. The show’s creatures, particularly the Demogorgon, with its sharp teeth and terrifying appearance, can be genuinely disturbing.
The Upside Down itself is another source of fear, as it is depicted as a dark, decaying version of the normal world. Scenes set in this eerie, otherworldly place often include unsettling visuals like blood-streaked walls and flickering lights, creating an atmosphere of dread. The show’s ability to evoke a sense of danger from these supernatural elements may be too intense for younger viewers, especially those who are sensitive to scary creatures or dark, gloomy settings.
Intense Suspense and Jump Scares
Stranger Things is known for its suspenseful pacing, where the tension builds gradually before a sudden, frightening event occurs. While the show doesn’t rely heavily on jump scares, it does feature moments where the unexpected happens—such as characters being attacked or chased by monsters. These moments can be very intense, especially when the characters are in peril. For a 12-year-old, these sudden spikes in danger could feel overwhelming.
In the later seasons, the stakes increase, with characters facing more complex threats and high levels of danger. The threat of death and injury becomes more frequent, and the show doesn’t shy away from portraying characters in life-threatening situations. This can be distressing for younger viewers who are more easily frightened or who may have a strong sense of empathy for the characters.
Gore and Violence
While Stranger Things isn’t excessively gory compared to some other horror series, there is a fair amount of violence. Characters are shown being attacked by creatures or harmed in various ways. Some of the injuries depicted are graphic, and there are moments of blood and physical distress. These scenes may be unsettling for children, especially those who are sensitive to the sight of blood or violence.
The horror aspects in Stranger Things are not always confined to the supernatural realm. Human antagonists, such as the corrupt government agents or even certain characters in the later seasons, also engage in violent or menacing behavior. For a 12-year-old, these moments may blur the line between fantasy and reality, making the show’s violence more impactful.
The Emotional Themes in Stranger Things
Friendship and Loss
At its core, Stranger Things is about friendship and the emotional bonds that tie the characters together. Eleven and her group of friends—Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will—are constantly facing the unknown and the terrifying, but their friendship helps them overcome the odds. This positive message is important and can make the show more relatable to young viewers.
However, the emotional stakes are high, especially as the show explores themes of loss, fear, and coping with trauma. As the seasons progress, we see the characters face more profound emotional challenges, including the death of loved ones, betrayal, and the psychological toll of their experiences. For some 12-year-olds, these deep emotional storylines may be difficult to process, especially if they are sensitive to themes of grief and fear.
Family Dynamics and Parental Concerns
Throughout Stranger Things, the portrayal of family dynamics plays a significant role in the characters’ development. Some characters, like Eleven, are deeply affected by the absence or abuse of their parents. Others, like Mike and Will, have supportive but sometimes strained relationships with their families. The show doesn’t shy away from depicting the challenges of growing up in a difficult environment.
For 12-year-olds, the portrayal of dysfunctional families or the fear of losing a parent could be especially unsettling. While these emotional beats add depth to the narrative, they may not be appropriate for every young viewer. Parents may want to evaluate whether their child is emotionally mature enough to handle these deeper themes.
Age-Appropriate Content: A Parent’s Guide
Is Stranger Things Too Scary for 12-Year-Olds?
The decision of whether Stranger Things is suitable for a 12-year-old depends on several factors. Some children may be able to handle the tension, suspense, and occasional violence without being unduly frightened, while others may find certain elements of the show distressing.
If your child has already been exposed to other supernatural or horror content, such as Goosebumps, The Haunting of Bly Manor, or the Harry Potter series (which includes some dark and frightening moments), they may be more prepared for the level of scariness in Stranger Things. However, if your child is particularly sensitive to fear or has difficulty distinguishing between fiction and reality, you may want to approach the show with caution.
How to Prepare Your 12-Year-Old
If you decide to allow your 12-year-old to watch Stranger Things, there are a few steps you can take to help them navigate the scarier moments:
Watch the Show Together: Sit down with your child to watch the series. This way, you can gauge their reactions to the horror and suspense, and you’ll be there to provide comfort and explanation during tense moments.
Provide Context: Explain to your child that the show is fictional and that the scary creatures and supernatural elements aren’t real. Helping them separate fiction from reality can reduce the fear factor.
Discuss the Themes: Before or after an episode, talk about the emotional themes and the growth of the characters. Focusing on the positive messages about friendship and overcoming adversity can provide balance to the darker elements of the story.
Skip Certain Episodes: Some episodes are more intense than others. If you’re concerned about specific scenes, consider skipping them or fast-forwarding through the scariest moments.
Stranger Things Compared to Other TV Shows for 12-Year-Olds
When comparing Stranger Things to other TV shows suitable for 12-year-olds, it’s clear that the level of scariness is on the higher end of the spectrum. Shows like The Umbrella Academy, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and The Adventures of Sabrina also contain supernatural elements and dark themes but are generally lighter in tone and less intense in terms of violence and gore.
For younger viewers, shows like The Mandalorian or Phineas and Ferb are far less frightening, focusing more on adventure and humor. In contrast, Stranger Things balances horror with mystery, making it a unique option for older preteens and young teens who are ready for something more thrilling.
Conclusion
So, is Stranger Things scary for 12-year-olds? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. The show contains many elements that could be frightening, such as supernatural creatures, tense situations, and emotional themes of loss and fear. However, it also offers positive messages about friendship, bravery, and overcoming challenges. Ultimately, whether the show is appropriate depends on the individual child’s temperament and ability to handle the suspense and occasional horror.
If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to watch a few episodes together and decide if your child is ready for the series. And remember, the emotional and frightening moments are part of what makes Stranger Things so captivating for older viewers—but they should be approached with care for younger audiences.
