Movie or TV show · Low risk
Is The Little Mermaid (animated) safe for your child?
Age guide
5+
We advise The Little Mermaid (animated) from age 5 and up. Overall risk 3/10 (low risk).
- 5-8
- Younger viewers will enjoy the vibrant animation and memorable songs, though Ursula's appearance and the intense climax may be frightening.
- 9-12
- Children in this age range can appreciate the story's themes of following dreams and the consequences of making deals, especially Ariel's trade of her voice.
- 13-15
- Teenagers may analyze the film's portrayal of romance and independence, and how Ariel's choices impact her family and future.
- 16+
- Older teens can discuss the film's historical significance in animation and its influence on Disney's renaissance, alongside its thematic elements.
This classic Disney animated film tells the story of Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of becoming human and falls in love with a human prince. She makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula to achieve her dream, sacrificing her voice for legs.
- Age guide
- 5+
- Overall risk
- 3/10
- Violence
- 2/10
- Toxic behaviour
- 1/10
- Stranger contact
- 1/10
- Addiction risk
- 6/10
- Language
- 1/10
- Influence
- 4/10
What parents should know
The animated 'The Little Mermaid' is a beloved Disney classic known for its music and animation. Parents should be mindful of Ursula's potentially frightening appearance and actions for younger children. The film offers opportunities to discuss themes of independence, deals, and the pursuit of dreams.
What to do about The Little Mermaid (animated)
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 The Little Mermaid (animated) is 5+, and the answer changes with your child's age. - The one setting to change tonight
The exact The Little Mermaid (animated) setting that cuts the most risk, with the steps to find it. - What to say
Word-for-word openers for talking about The Little Mermaid (animated) without a row. - Red flags to watch for
The signals in The Little Mermaid (animated) that mean it is time to step in.
The Little Mermaid (animated) age rating and parents guide: common questions
What age rating is The Little Mermaid (animated)?
Parentwise puts The Little Mermaid (animated) at 5+. We advise The Little Mermaid (animated) from age 5 and up. Overall risk 3/10 (low risk). Violence scores 2/10, language 1/10, stranger contact 1/10 and addiction risk 6/10.
Can a 10 year old watch The Little Mermaid (animated)?
Yes, 10 is at or above the age we advise for The Little Mermaid (animated) (5+). Children in this age range can appreciate the story's themes of following dreams and the consequences of making deals, especially Ariel's trade of her voice.
Can a 12 year old watch The Little Mermaid (animated)?
Yes, 12 is at or above the age we advise for The Little Mermaid (animated) (5+). Children in this age range can appreciate the story's themes of following dreams and the consequences of making deals, especially Ariel's trade of her voice.
Can a 13 year old watch The Little Mermaid (animated)?
Yes, 13 is at or above the age we advise for The Little Mermaid (animated) (5+). Teenagers may analyze the film's portrayal of romance and independence, and how Ariel's choices impact her family and future.
Is The Little Mermaid (animated) appropriate for kids?
The animated 'The Little Mermaid' is a beloved Disney classic known for its music and animation. Parentwise rates The Little Mermaid (animated) overall as low risk (3/10), with stranger contact at 1/10 and addiction risk at 6/10.
Is The Little Mermaid (animated) family friendly?
The Little Mermaid (animated) is one of the lower-risk titles we rate. Parents should be mindful of Ursula's potentially frightening appearance and actions for younger children.
The Little Mermaid (animated) parents guide: what should a parent know first?
The animated 'The Little Mermaid' is a beloved Disney classic known for its music and animation. The parts that most often catch parents out are stranger contact (1/10) and how hard it pulls for more time (6/10).
Is The Little Mermaid (animated) safe for kids?
We advise The Little Mermaid (animated) from age 5 and up. Overall risk 3/10 (low risk). Parents should be mindful of Ursula's potentially frightening appearance and actions for younger children.
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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.