Movie or TV show · Medium risk
Is Stranger Things safe for your child?
Age guide
14+
We advise Stranger Things from age 14 and up. Overall risk 5/10 (medium risk).
- 5-8
- This show contains intense sci-fi horror, violence, and mature themes unsuitable for this age group, who may be deeply frightened by the monsters and perilous situations.
- 9-12
- While some pre-teens may be drawn to the adventure, the graphic monster encounters, occasional strong language, and themes of trauma and death are likely too intense and potentially disturbing.
- 13-15
- Teenagers in this range can usually handle the suspense and horror elements, but parents should be aware of the violence, frequent peril, and some instances of drug use and romantic relationships.
- 16+
- Older teens are generally equipped to process the show's complex narrative, character development, and mature themes including government conspiracy, loss, and the psychological impact of supernatural events.
Stranger Things is a popular supernatural horror series set in the 1980s, following a group of children as they encounter mysterious occurrences in their small town, including the disappearance of a boy and the appearance of a girl with psychic abilities. The show combines elements of science fiction, horror, and nostalgia, exploring themes of friendship, courage, and the battle against evil forces. It is known for its engaging characters, suspenseful plotlines, and rich references to '80s pop culture.
- Age guide
- 14+
- Overall risk
- 5/10
- Violence
- 7/10
- Toxic behaviour
- 4/10
- Stranger contact
- 2/10
- Addiction risk
- 8/10
- Language
- 5/10
- Influence
- 6/10
What parents should know
Stranger Things is a sci-fi horror series known for its suspenseful plot, nostalgic 1980s setting, and ensemble cast. It features supernatural events, monsters, and government conspiracies, alongside themes of friendship and growing up. The show contains violence, frightening imagery, and mature themes that require careful consideration for younger audiences.
What to do about Stranger Things
Free with a Parentwise account. The age-by-age verdict needs your child's age, which is why it lives behind the account.
- The age-by-age verdict
What we advise for under 8, 8-12 and 13+ - our age guide for Stranger Things is 14+, and the answer changes with your child's age. - The one setting to change tonight
The exact Stranger Things setting that cuts the most risk, with the steps to find it. - What to say
Word-for-word openers for talking about Stranger Things without a row. - Red flags to watch for
The signals in Stranger Things that mean it is time to step in.
Stranger Things age rating and parents guide: common questions
What age rating is Stranger Things?
Parentwise puts Stranger Things at 14+. We advise Stranger Things from age 14 and up. Overall risk 5/10 (medium risk). Violence scores 7/10, language 5/10, stranger contact 2/10 and addiction risk 8/10.
Can a 10 year old watch Stranger Things?
Not by default: we advise Stranger Things from 14+, so at 10 it needs your supervision and the settings changed first. While some pre-teens may be drawn to the adventure, the graphic monster encounters, occasional strong language, and themes of trauma and death are likely too intense and potentially disturbing.
Can a 12 year old watch Stranger Things?
Not by default: we advise Stranger Things from 14+, so at 12 it needs your supervision and the settings changed first. While some pre-teens may be drawn to the adventure, the graphic monster encounters, occasional strong language, and themes of trauma and death are likely too intense and potentially disturbing.
Can a 13 year old watch Stranger Things?
Not by default: we advise Stranger Things from 14+, so at 13 it needs your supervision and the settings changed first. Teenagers in this range can usually handle the suspense and horror elements, but parents should be aware of the violence, frequent peril, and some instances of drug use and romantic relationships.
Is Stranger Things appropriate for kids?
Stranger Things is a sci-fi horror series known for its suspenseful plot, nostalgic 1980s setting, and ensemble cast. Parentwise rates Stranger Things overall as medium risk (5/10), with stranger contact at 2/10 and addiction risk at 8/10.
Is Stranger Things family friendly?
Stranger Things sits in the middle: fine with settings changed and an occasional check-in. It features supernatural events, monsters, and government conspiracies, alongside themes of friendship and growing up.
Stranger Things parents guide: what should a parent know first?
Stranger Things is a sci-fi horror series known for its suspenseful plot, nostalgic 1980s setting, and ensemble cast. The parts that most often catch parents out are stranger contact (2/10) and how hard it pulls for more time (8/10).
Is Stranger Things safe for kids?
We advise Stranger Things from age 14 and up. Overall risk 5/10 (medium risk). It features supernatural events, monsters, and government conspiracies, alongside themes of friendship and growing up.
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Release and popularity data comes in part from RAWG, TVMaze (CC BY-SA) and Wikidata (CC0). Safety guidance is written by Parentwise.