Parental Concerns and Media Responsibility

Parents, if you’ve been allowing your kids to binge-watch “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory,” which premiered on May 24, 2024, and “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous,” which aired from 2020 to 2022, you might want to take a closer look at these series. Both shows center around teenagers facing off against dinosaurs, but they also include same-sex kissing scenes between young characters, raising outrage about the appropriateness of such content in shows aimed at younger audiences.

If you’re concerned about your children being exposed to such content, it’s best to avoid both shows. While both are rated “TV-PG,” they have sparked debates regarding the portrayal of relationships and the appropriateness of the content for children. The “TV-PG” rating indicates that the shows are generally suitable for all ages, but some parental guidance is advised. However, the rating primarily cites “violence” as the reason for this designation. Given that dinosaurs can be quite frightening, this explanation is understandable. Nevertheless, the inclusion of a same-sex kiss in “Chaos Theory” and “Camp Cretaceous” makes no sense and wasn’t clearly reflected in the rating drawing parental concerns.

The Role of Creators and the TV-PG Rating

Steven Spielberg, the filmmaker behind the original Jurassic Park movies, insisted that the animated series should not be a “kiddy version” of the films. He wanted the young characters to face real dangers, akin to those seen in the movies. When Scott Kreamer and Lane Lueras, the showrunners for both “Camp Cretaceous” and “Chaos Theory,” joined the project, they shared Spielberg’s vision. They aimed to create a series that maintained the thrilling essence of the Jurassic Park franchise.

However, the decision to include romantic scenes, particularly those involving same-sex couples, has led to a broader discussion about the appropriateness of such content in a show rated “TV-PG.” The rating system, which is designed to guide parents in determining the suitability of content for their children, did not specifically highlight the presence of sexual content. This omission has been a significant point of criticism raising parental concerns.

Netflix’s History with Controversial Content

Netflix is no stranger to controversy, particularly when it comes to the portrayal of young characters. The streaming platform faced significant backlash over its promotional materials for the film “Cuties.” The poster and trailer depicted prepubescent girls in revealing dance outfits, performing suggestive dance moves. This led to widespread criticism and accusations of sexualizing children.

The inclusion of a same-sex kissing scene in “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory” has reignited concerns about Netflix’s handling of content aimed at younger audiences. Parents are increasingly wary of what their children might be exposed to while watching shows on the platform.

Making Informed Decisions

As a parent, it’s important to stay informed about the shows and movies your children are watching. Ratings and descriptions can often provide a general idea of the content, but they may not always be comprehensive. In the case of “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory,” the “TV-PG” rating did not prepare parents for the inclusion of a same-sex kissing scene.

Alternatives to Consider

So, what’s a parent to do? Here are some tips for navigating age-appropriate content with your children:

• Read Reviews and Ratings: Don’t rely solely on the TV rating. Look for parent reviews and discussions online to get a better sense of the content and its maturity level. Search for answers to specific concerns you have regarding what you don’t want your kids to see.
• Co-View and Discuss: Watch the shows first. Don’t let the kids pick the shows without supervision. You’d be surprised by the amount of adult-like content in kids’ shows. I recommend watching at least three episodes of any new content before your children do. (the first eposide isnt enough, in my option). While this can be time-consuming, it allows you to vet the material. Additionally, read parent reviews to see if others share your concerns.

Ultimately, the decision of what your child watches is yours. By staying informed, you can ensure that the content aligns with your values and what you deem appropriate for your children.