Parents are worried as schools show films like KPop Demon Hunters to young children. Experts warn these popular shows may not be age-appropriate.
Why Parents Are Worried About What Kids Watch at School
In recent weeks, more and more Canadian parents have been speaking out about something they never expected to find in their child’s school day: popular TV shows and movies being played in class, sometimes without any notice.
One title in particular the wildly trending Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters has caused the most concern. Parents say it’s popping up everywhere: in kindergarten music sessions, Grade 1 drama classes and even during lunch breaks.
Education consultant Rebecca Greaves, who leads The Parent Advocate in Toronto, says dozens of parents have reached out to her.
“Just because a show is popular with five- and six-year-olds doesn’t mean it’s developmentally appropriate,” she explains.
“KPop Demon Hunters is a perfect example.”
And she’s not alone psychologists agree that popularity doesn’t equal suitability.
Why “Popular” Doesn’t Mean “Appropriate” in the Classroom
KPop Demon Hunters follows a K-pop girl group who secretly hunt demons a storyline filled with action, supernatural themes and conflict. While kids may love it, experts say the themes can be confusing or overwhelming for younger children.
Greaves notes this isn’t the only show parents have complained about. Titles like Paw Patrol, Cocomelon, Blippi, Peppa Pig, Wild Kratts and even some Disney movies have raised eyebrows.
Why? Because age ratings don’t always tell the full story.
“Ratings can be vague or inconsistent,” Greaves says.
“Teachers need to preview content to make sure it aligns with the curriculum and is right for a child’s stage of development.”
A Child Psychologist’s Take: It’s About More Than Scary Scenes
Toronto psychologist Dina Lafoyiannis says the real problem isn’t just jump scares or loud villains it’s the emotional themes hidden inside these shows.
Loss, family conflict, danger, and even financial stress can hit differently depending on what a child is experiencing at home.
“A theme that feels mild to adults can feel heavy to a child dealing with their own personal struggles,” she explains.
Some kids may shrug it off. But sensitive or anxious children may experience:
- Nightmares
- Trouble sleeping
- Worrying at bedtime
- Clinginess
- Stomach aches or somatic reactions
That’s why communication is so important.
Parents Want One Simple Thing: To Be Informed
Lafoyiannis says teachers should openly share what they plan to show in class. Not because parents want to micromanage but because they need to know what their children have been exposed to.
“Some kids need follow-up conversations at home to process what they’ve seen,” she says. “Parents can’t do that if they don’t know what was shown.”
The Bigger Issue: Schools Are Stretched Too Thin
Greaves says this isn’t usually about “bad choices” by teachers. It’s about the system being overworked and understaffed.
Most of the questionable content being shown to students, she says, happens when supervision is lowest during lunch, indoor recess, or busy transition times.
Screens become an easy way to manage large groups with limited staff.
“It’s not poor judgment. It’s a symptom of a system that doesn’t have enough support,” Greaves says.
The Bottom Line: Kids Need Engaging, Age-Safe Content
The debate surrounding KPop Demon Hunters has shined a light on an issue that’s been growing quietly for years how schools use screens, and how little parents often know about it.
As concerns rise, both experts and families are calling for one thing: age-appropriate, purposeful content and better communication between schools and parents.
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