Squid Game (Season 2!) is on the tongue of most t/weens after it hit Netflix with a vengeance in December 2024. Even if your child has not watched a single episode, they may well be playing it at break time IRL, playing online versions of it on Roblox or simply treating each other as the ‘red team’ or ‘green team.’
So what is the series about?
Squid Game, is a South Korean thriller presented in series form on Netflix. It has taken the world by storm, captivated audiences with its intense plot, wild drama, extreme violence and shocking twists.
The series revolves around a secret contest where 456 players, all of whom are in deep financial hardship, risk their lives to play a series of DEADLY children’s games for the chance to win 40 million dollars.
To say that it is graphic, brutal, sadistic and disturbing is to underplay just how vile some of the imagery and themes are.
Suffice to say while all this makes it wholly unsuitable for our kids under the age of 17, it hasn’t stopped them from begging watching at friends or sneak viewing without us knowing. For some it is compelling, for some it is terrifying and for most of our kids, it is one dopamine shock after another as the creators of the show create characters who will do pretty much anything to get out of the poverty they find themselves in.
The Good (with huge Klikd caveats):
• Social Commentary: At a push, we could say Squid Game offers a chilling commentary on social inequality and the desperation that drives people to extreme measures. It raises important questions about greed, morality, and the human condition.
The Bad (and the very ugly):
• Extreme Violence: Squid Game features graphic violence, including murders, torture, implied sexual violence, strong language and bloodshed. The level of violence is deeply disturbing.
• Mature themes:
The series tackles mature themes such as poverty, debt, exploitation, and the dark side of human nature. These themes, are in our view, too intense and complex for teens, let alone tweens to fully understand or process.
Klikd Verdict
At KLIKD we are giving this one a hard no for anyone under the age of 16 with strong recommendations to watch with your older teen if you are going to let them down this road.
And, whether your t/ween is or is not asking to watch it, we guarantee they are hearing all about it at school, parties and on Whatsapp groups. There are also several online games (especially on Roblox) simulating the series and playgrounds are increasingly seeing kids testing the boundaries around just how physical and aggressive they can get with the other team before someone on break duty calls ‘halt’!
As always, whether your child is still little or already hitting the teen highway, we think it is worth having an open chat about what is happening in their world.
Conversation Starters
1. You might have heard about the show ‘Squid Game.’ What do you know about it? What has caught your attention about the hype surrounding it?” Have you seen kids playing it online or at school?
2. Violence can feel scary and sometimes even exciting because our brain responds with a chemical rush when we see something that is extreme. How does it feel for you when you see your friends playing a pretend version of Squid Game?
3. Squid Game, the series, is described as a dark and intense thriller. What do you think makes a show dark and intense?
4. On the one hand, the show deals with serious issues in our world like poverty and inequality. On the other, it shows humans at their worst. Do you think it’s important for entertainment to address social problems in our world or would you prefer your entertainment just to be fun and light-hearted?
5. Do you think this series would have been as successful as it has been if it wasn’t so violent and shocking?
Stay connected
Sarah and Pam
