Is Squid Game OK for 12 Year Olds?
What Is Squid Game, Really?
More than just a viral show
Squid Game is a South Korean survival drama that exploded in popularity worldwide. On the surface, it looks like a bunch of grown-ups playing childhood games. But — and it's a big but — these games come with deadly consequences. We're talking psychological tension, graphic violence, and some deeply unsettling themes.
It might look colorful and even silly at times (that creepy doll from “Red Light, Green Light” went viral for a reason), but underneath, it's brutal. Definitely not just another Netflix show to casually binge with your kiddo.
Official Ratings and Warnings
What the platforms say
Netflix has rated Squid Game TV-MA — that means it's intended for mature audiences only. According to the rating breakdown:
Language: Strong and frequent
Violence: Intense, bloody, realistic
Sexual content: Minimal, but present
Themes: Gambling addiction, debt, betrayal, trauma, and more
So, in official terms, it’s not suitable for viewers under 17 years old. That’s a far cry from 12.
Why It's Not Recommended for 12-Year-Olds
Graphic content that sticks
Let’s be blunt: this show doesn’t shy away from showing death on-screen — and not in an abstract, cartoonish way. People are shot in the head, stabbed, crushed, and worse. The emotional impact is heavy too. Characters you grow attached to… gone, just like that.
For a 12-year-old — whose brain is still developing emotionally and cognitively — this kind of content can be overwhelming or even traumatic.
One parent I spoke with said their son watched it in secret with friends. He ended up having nightmares for weeks and got extremely anxious whenever someone joked about the show at school. That’s not nothing.
The message isn’t made for kids
Squid Game isn’t just violent — it’s also loaded with dark social commentary: class division, financial desperation, and ethical collapse. These aren’t topics most preteens are ready to digest, at least not in this raw, bloody format.
And honestly, some of the emotional moments hit way harder when you’ve lived more of life. For kids, it’s just “cool games + people die.” For adults, it’s “oh god… this is a reflection of capitalism at its worst.”
But Everyone in Class Is Watching It…
Peer pressure is real — but guidance matters more
A lot of 12-year-olds have seen Squid Game. Either through older siblings, TikTok clips, or friends who “snuck it.” That doesn’t mean it’s healthy.
Instead of just banning it outright (which may backfire), it helps to talk about why it’s problematic. Ask your kid what they know about the show. What they’ve seen. What they think. Engage them — don’t just say “no” and move on.
You can also redirect their interest toward something age-appropriate but still exciting. There are alternatives — think The Hunger Games (the books first, maybe), or Stranger Things (borderline but more manageable).
Final Thoughts: Should a 12-Year-Old Watch Squid Game?
From a developmental, psychological, and ethical standpoint: no, Squid Game isn’t OK for 12-year-olds.
Sure, it's stylish. It’s thrilling. It’s everywhere. But beneath the hype lies a series that dives deep into the darkest corners of human behavior — with graphic visuals and emotional weight that most preteens simply aren’t ready for.
Be the guide, not the gatekeeper. Help your child understand what’s too much — and why. They’ll thank you for it later (even if they eye-roll now).
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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).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
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.
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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.