E-Learning
What Parents Should Know About the Show ‘Squid Game’
First of all, what is this show all about? It’s a series where game players are systematically tortured or killed over a series of well-known children’s games. For example, instead of getting ‘out’ when you move in the well-known game ‘Red light, Green light’ you are killed instead. Not only that, the show features a lot of adult themes not for young children’s eyes including, threats of violence towards women, gruesome killings, gambling, conning money, and adults having sex. So, as a parent, what can you do if you notice your children talking about this show?
Knowledge is Power!
One of the best things we can do is be proactive to make sure we are well informed of the fact that Squid Game exists, and the different ways that young children may be able to access the show.
Here are the main ways that children are accessing Squid Game, or parts of the show:
- Netflix (parental controls can be used so that when ‘Squid Game’ is searched nothing shows up)
- YouTube (it won’t show up on Kids YouTube)
- TikTok
- World in Roblox
Make Sure You’ve Got Your Ear to the Ground
Are you aware of the lingo that is centered around Squid Game? This is also a little bit of 'knowledge is power' as well. Understanding the different games that are featured on the show is going to be helpful for parents in order to pick up on behaviours before they get out of hand. Here are some of the games that are played throughout the Squid Game series:
- Red Light, Green Light
- Marbles
- Tug of War
- Round circles of honeycomb with shapes on them
So, understanding how that game is referenced in the show is really important. Some of these may be popular games that mean no harm, but if they are playing a game and instead of just being ‘out’ the eliminated players are pretending to die – this could be an indication that children have been exposed to the show.
It’s inevitable that young people will come to learn of Squid Game.
Your children may have come across it on Netflix or be encouraged to view the series by friends.
PLAN a conversation with your children to find out what they already know about the series, ask if they have seen any of the content and provide time and space to unpack how it has made them feel.
PREVENT access through using parental controls in Netflix to ensure Squid Game series does not appear on your profile. Use the primary account to ensure additional profiles cannot be created without the parental code.
You may also want to consider placing content restrictions for search on their devices using Apple Screen Time – Family Sharing tools or Google Family Link.
PROTECT them by providing strategies for how they can respond to a friend who may try to expose them to the content or concepts. Keep an eye on the trend, monitor the situation, and discuss the topic with other parents in your child’s friendship circle(s).
Wil Marks
E-Learning Leader