Stranger Things, the popular Netflix series, is back for its fourth season. While the show’s creators have kept many details under wraps, they have released a few tidbits that give us a glimpse of what to expect. This article will provide a parent’s guide to what we know so far about Stranger Things season 4 and offer some tips on how to help your child watch the show.
Stranger Things is a science fiction horror series that follows a group of friends in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, as they investigate supernatural events. The show has been praised for its suspenseful storytelling, well-developed characters, and nostalgic 1980s setting. However, it has also been criticized for its violence and mature themes. Parents should be aware that Stranger Things season 4 will likely be no different, and they should consider whether the show is appropriate for their child.
In the meantime, parents can do a few things to help their child watch Stranger Things season 4 safely. First, they can talk to their child about the show and its themes. This will help their child understand what they are watching and why it might be scary or disturbing. Second, parents can watch the show with their child. This will allow them to talk about what is happening in real-time and answer any questions their child may have. Finally, parents can set limits on how much screen time their child has. This will help prevent their child from becoming overwhelmed by the show.
stranger things season 4 parents guide
Prepare for darker, scarier themes.
- Suitable for ages 14 and up.
- Violence, gore, and disturbing images.
- Complex and mature themes.
- Talk to kids about the show.
- Set limits on screen time.
With some guidance, older teens may enjoy and learn from the show’s exploration of complex issues.
Suitable for ages 14 and up.
Stranger Things season 4 is rated TV-14, which means it is intended for audiences aged 14 and up. This rating is due to the show’s intense violence, gore, and disturbing images. Additionally, the show explores complex and mature themes such as death, grief, and trauma.
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Violence and gore:
Stranger Things season 4 features more violence and gore than previous seasons. There are scenes of graphic violence, including dismemberment, mutilation, and death. Some of the violence is perpetrated by monsters, while other violence is committed by humans.
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Disturbing images:
The show also contains disturbing images, such as dead bodies, mutilated creatures, and demonic symbols. These images may be upsetting for some viewers, especially younger children.
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Complex and mature themes:
Stranger Things season 4 explores complex and mature themes such as death, grief, and trauma. These themes may be difficult for younger children to understand and process.
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Language:
The show also contains some strong language, including swearing and profanity. This language may be inappropriate for younger children.
Overall, Stranger Things season 4 is a dark and intense show that is best suited for older teenagers and adults. Parents should carefully consider whether the show is appropriate for their child.
Violence, gore, and disturbing images.
Stranger Things season 4 features more violence and gore than previous seasons. The violence is often graphic and disturbing, and it may be upsetting for some viewers, especially younger children.
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Graphic violence:
There are scenes of graphic violence, including dismemberment, mutilation, and death. Some of the violence is perpetrated by monsters, while other violence is committed by humans. For example, in one scene, a character is attacked by a monster and has their arm ripped off. -
Gore:
The show also contains a significant amount of gore. There are scenes of blood and gore, as well as scenes where characters are covered in blood or other gruesome substances. -
Disturbing images:
The show also contains disturbing images, such as dead bodies, mutated creatures, and demonic symbols. These images may be upsetting for some viewers, especially younger children. For example, in one scene, a character is shown being possessed by a monster and their body begins to rot and decay.
Overall, the violence, gore, and disturbing images in Stranger Things season 4 are intense and may be too much for some viewers, especially younger children. Parents should carefully consider whether the show is appropriate for their child.
Complex and mature themes.
Stranger Things season 4 explores complex and mature themes such as death, grief, trauma, and the nature of good and evil. These themes may be difficult for younger children to understand and process.
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Death and grief:
The show deals with the death of a major character, and the characters must come to terms with their grief and loss. This can be a difficult topic for younger children to understand and process. -
Trauma:
The characters in Stranger Things have all experienced trauma, and the show explores the long-term effects of trauma on their lives. This can be a heavy topic for younger children, and it may be difficult for them to understand. -
Good and evil:
The show also explores the nature of good and evil, and the characters must confront their own darkness in order to defeat the evil that is threatening Hawkins. This can be a complex and challenging topic for younger children to understand.
Overall, the complex and mature themes in Stranger Things season 4 may be too much for some younger children. Parents should carefully consider whether the show is appropriate for their child.
Talk to kids about the show.
One of the best ways to help your child watch Stranger Things season 4 safely is to talk to them about the show. This will help them understand what they are watching and why it might be scary or disturbing.
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Before watching:
Before your child watches Stranger Things season 4, talk to them about the show’s rating and content warnings. Explain to them that the show is intended for older teenagers and adults, and that it contains violence, gore, and mature themes. Ask them if they are comfortable watching a show with this type of content. -
During watching:
While your child is watching Stranger Things season 4, pay attention to their reactions. If they seem scared or upset, pause the show and talk to them about what is happening. Explain to them that the show is not real, and that the violence and gore are special effects. You can also talk to them about the show’s themes, and how they relate to real life. -
After watching:
After your child has watched Stranger Things season 4, talk to them about what they thought of the show. Ask them what they liked and didn’t like about it. Talk to them about the show’s themes, and how they relate to their own lives. You can also talk to them about the show’s ending, and what they think will happen next season.
Talking to your child about Stranger Things season 4 is a great way to help them understand the show and its themes. It can also help them to develop critical thinking skills and to learn how to cope with difficult emotions.
Set limits on screen time.
Another important way to help your child watch Stranger Things season 4 safely is to set limits on their screen time. This will help prevent them from becoming overwhelmed by the show.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children and teenagers spend no more than one to two hours per day on screen time. This includes time spent watching TV, playing video games, and using computers and smartphones. However, some experts believe that even this amount of screen time may be too much for younger children.
When setting limits on your child’s screen time, consider the following factors:
- Your child’s age: Younger children are more likely to be overwhelmed by screen time than older children. The AAP recommends that children under the age of two should not have any screen time.
- Your child’s individual needs: Some children may be able to handle more screen time than others. Pay attention to your child’s behavior and adjust their screen time limits accordingly.
- The content of the show: Some shows are more intense and stimulating than others. Stranger Things season 4 is a particularly intense show, so you may want to limit your child’s screen time accordingly.
Once you have considered these factors, you can set limits on your child’s screen time. You can do this by using parental control settings on your TV or streaming device, or by simply talking to your child about how much screen time they are allowed each day.
Setting limits on your child’s screen time is important for their overall health and well-being. It can help them to avoid problems such as obesity, sleep deprivation, and difficulty paying attention in school.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions from parents about Stranger Things season 4:
Question 1: Is Stranger Things season 4 appropriate for my child?
Answer: Stranger Things season 4 is rated TV-14, which means it is intended for audiences aged 14 and up. The show contains intense violence, gore, disturbing images, and complex themes. Parents should carefully consider whether the show is appropriate for their child.
Question 2: What are some of the mature themes in Stranger Things season 4?
Answer: Stranger Things season 4 explores complex and mature themes such as death, grief, trauma, and the nature of good and evil. These themes may be difficult for younger children to understand and process.
Question 3: How can I talk to my child about the show?
Answer: It is important to talk to your child about Stranger Things season 4 before and after they watch it. Talk to them about the show’s rating and content warnings. Explain to them that the show is not real, and that the violence and gore are special effects. You can also talk to them about the show’s themes, and how they relate to real life.
Question 4: How can I set limits on my child’s screen time?
Answer: You can set limits on your child’s screen time by using parental control settings on your TV or streaming device, or by simply talking to your child about how much screen time they are allowed each day. Consider your child’s age, individual needs, and the content of the show when setting limits.
Question 5: What are some signs that my child is struggling with the show?
Answer: If your child seems scared, upset, or anxious after watching Stranger Things season 4, it is important to talk to them about it. They may also have difficulty sleeping, paying attention in school, or interacting with others.
Question 6: What can I do if I think my child is struggling with the show?
Answer: If you think your child is struggling with Stranger Things season 4, there are a few things you can do. First, talk to them about the show and their feelings. You can also limit their screen time, or even ban them from watching the show altogether. If your child is struggling to cope with the show’s content, you may want to consider seeking professional help.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
Stranger Things season 4 is a popular show, but it is not appropriate for all children. Parents should carefully consider whether the show is appropriate for their child, and they should set limits on their child’s screen time. If parents are concerned that their child is struggling with the show, they should talk to them about it and seek professional help if necessary.
In addition to the tips provided in the FAQ section, here are a few more tips for parents:
Tips
Here are a few tips for parents to help their children watch Stranger Things season 4 safely:
Tip 1: Talk to your child about the show.
Before and after your child watches Stranger Things season 4, talk to them about the show. Explain to them that the show is intended for older teenagers and adults, and that it contains violence, gore, and mature themes. Ask them if they are comfortable watching a show with this type of content. You can also talk to them about the show’s themes, and how they relate to real life.
Tip 2: Set limits on your child’s screen time.
It is important to set limits on your child’s screen time, especially when they are watching a show like Stranger Things season 4. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and teenagers spend no more than one to two hours per day on screen time. However, some experts believe that even this amount of screen time may be too much for younger children. Consider your child’s age, individual needs, and the content of the show when setting limits.
Tip 3: Watch the show with your child.
If you are concerned about your child watching Stranger Things season 4 alone, you can watch the show with them. This will allow you to talk to them about what is happening in real-time and answer any questions they may have. You can also pause the show if your child seems scared or upset.
Tip 4: Be aware of the signs that your child is struggling with the show.
If your child seems scared, upset, or anxious after watching Stranger Things season 4, it is important to talk to them about it. They may also have difficulty sleeping, paying attention in school, or interacting with others. If you are concerned that your child is struggling with the show, you may want to consider limiting their screen time, or even banning them from watching the show altogether. You may also want to consider seeking professional help.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, parents can help their children watch Stranger Things season 4 safely. It is important to remember that the show is not appropriate for all children, and parents should carefully consider whether the show is appropriate for their child.
Stranger Things season 4 is a popular show, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks for children. By following the tips in this article, parents can help their children watch the show safely and avoid any negative consequences.
Conclusion
Stranger Things season 4 is a popular show, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks for children. The show contains intense violence, gore, disturbing images, and complex themes. Parents should carefully consider whether the show is appropriate for their child, and they should set limits on their child’s screen time.
If parents are concerned that their child is struggling with the show, they should talk to them about it and seek professional help if necessary. Parents can also follow the tips in this article to help their child watch the show safely.
Closing Message:
Stranger Things season 4 is a dark and intense show that is best suited for older teenagers and adults. Parents should talk to their child about the show before and after they watch it, and they should set limits on their child’s screen time. By following these tips, parents can help their children watch the show safely and avoid any negative consequences.