Is Squid Game Good for a 12-Year-Old? Unpacking the Controversy

What is Squid Game, and Why is it So Popular?

If you haven’t heard of Squid Game by now, you’ve probably been living under a rock. The South Korean Netflix series took the world by storm, with its intense storylines, gripping characters, and... well, disturbing content. But as a parent or someone concerned about the media children consume, the big question is: Is Squid Game good for a 12-year-old?

Let’s get into it, shall we? First, you need to know what Squid Game is all about. It’s a show about desperate people who participate in deadly children's games for a chance to win a huge cash prize. Yeah, you read that right—deadly children's games. The juxtaposition of innocence and violence is part of what makes it so disturbing (and oddly fascinating). But here's the thing: this isn't your typical teen drama.

Why is Squid Game So Intriguing to Kids?

Even though the show is rated for mature audiences, it’s a hit with teens. My younger cousin, who’s 13, couldn’t stop talking about it after he binge-watched the entire series. His fascination was clear—Squid Game is suspenseful, fast-paced, and, honestly, hard to look away from. I mean, who can resist the tension in each game? But as entertaining as it is, there’s a darker side to this show that raises serious concerns, especially when it comes to kids and teens.

The Content: Why It’s Problematic for Younger Viewers

Violence and Gore – A Major Red Flag

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—Squid Game is violent. Like, really violent. The show features brutal killings, blood, and disturbing imagery that is hard to ignore. As a 12-year-old, your brain is still developing, and exposing it to such graphic content can have lasting effects. Research has shown that excessive exposure to violence in media can desensitize children and negatively impact their emotional well-being.

Now, I don’t mean to be overly dramatic, but I remember watching Squid Game and feeling uncomfortable after certain scenes—there’s a specific moment in the first game where the violence escalates quickly, and it’s honestly hard to shake off. I can’t imagine how a 12-year-old might process that kind of shock. It’s just… too much.

Psychological Impact – Not Just the Blood

What’s even more concerning is the psychological toll Squid Game might take. The show deals with themes of desperation, betrayal, and survival. The characters are pushed to their limits, and it’s hard not to feel some level of empathy for them. But imagine a 12-year-old processing those heavy emotions. I spoke to a friend who has a younger sibling, and they told me that after watching Squid Game, their sibling seemed much more withdrawn and anxious. That’s a sign that this kind of content might not be healthy for younger viewers.

Are There Any Educational Aspects to Squid Game?

The Show’s Social Commentary – A Double-Edged Sword

Okay, let’s give credit where credit’s due. Squid Game isn’t just mindless violence—it’s a sharp social commentary on class disparity, greed, and inequality. The entire premise of the show is built around the desperate lengths people will go to for money, and it’s a critique of a capitalist society that values profit over human life. In that sense, there’s an opportunity for discussion, but I honestly think that’s a bit too much for a 12-year-old to digest.

I remember having a conversation with my buddy Sam about how Squid Game could be a great conversation starter in a high school social studies class. But for a 12-year-old? I’m not sure they’re ready to tackle those complex themes without a bit more maturity. While some kids may be able to grasp the show’s deeper messages, many would probably just focus on the spectacle—and that’s not exactly the lesson we want to teach.

The Peer Pressure – A Bad Influence?

Here's another thing to consider: Squid Game can also normalize unhealthy behavior. A lot of the show revolves around alliances, betrayals, and people choosing to prioritize self-preservation over morality. For a 12-year-old, who is just starting to learn about social dynamics and relationships, that could send the wrong message. After all, peer pressure and social dynamics are already tough enough for kids this age, without adding a show like Squid Game into the mix.

How Can Parents Protect Their Kids?

Open Conversations Are Key

I’m not saying that Squid Game is inherently bad—it’s just not meant for children, especially not a 12-year-old. But what can parents do to protect their kids while also giving them some space to explore new things? The answer: communication. If your child is curious about the show, maybe sit down and watch a few episodes with them. Discuss the themes, the violence, and the psychological elements. In my experience, a little open discussion goes a long way. I did this with my niece after she asked me about the show, and I felt better knowing we could have an honest conversation about what we were watching.

Set Age-Appropriate Boundaries

There’s no harm in setting boundaries when it comes to the kind of media your child consumes. Sure, your 12-year-old might be mature enough to handle some darker themes, but Squid Game crosses a line. Instead, suggest shows that are engaging, fun, and thought-provoking, but still age-appropriate. There’s plenty of great content out there that teaches valuable lessons without subjecting kids to disturbing violence.

Final Thoughts: Is Squid Game Really Suitable for 12-Year-Olds?

In conclusion, Squid Game is not appropriate for a 12-year-old. The violence, psychological themes, and moral dilemmas presented in the show are too much for someone at that developmental stage. While it’s a fascinating show for adults, it’s not meant for children. As parents, it’s important to be aware of what your kids are watching, to guide them toward healthy media consumption, and to have open conversations about what’s appropriate for their age.

At the end of the day, there’s no shame in waiting a few years before letting them watch a show like Squid Game. There’s plenty of time for those deeper, more complex narratives when they’re ready for them.

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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

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Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.