Skins. 13 Reasons Why. Euphoria. Heartbreak High. Degrassi. Cruel Summer.

At first glance, these shows appear to be typical teen dramas, following characters as they navigate adolescence, relationships and shifting family dynamics. But in reality, there’s far more beneath the surface.

The storylines in these types of shows — usually rated for a mature audience — often include graphic depictions of sex, sexual assault, substance use, violence and self-harm. For teens, whose brains and emotional regulation skills are still developing, those themes can land very differently depending on age, maturity and mental health history.

With the meteoric rise of streaming and video-first social media platforms (like TikTok), kids have unprecedented access to media content. What should parents know before allowing their kids to press play?

Evadine Codd, PhD, a psychologist in our Pediatric Mental Health Institute, answers questions to help parents and caregivers understand how these shows affect kids, how to talk with them about what they’re watching and more.

Q: How do intense teen drama shows affect mental health? 

Teens and kids tend to be particularly vulnerable to intense, dark and scary media content because they’re so impressionable. They’re still learning to identify and regulate uncomfortable emotions, like anxiety, fear or sadness, so without close adult supervision and monitoring, kids and teens may find it difficult to process what they’re seeing on the screen. This is even more of a concern for kids facing mental health challenges because they are already struggling to manage their emotions and behavior in real life. 

Additionally, when teens see glamorized violence, suicide, sexual or physical abuse or aggression on TV, they may start to view it as an acceptable way to behave or solve problems. That can increase aggressive behavior or suicidal thoughts, simply because it begins to feel typical. 

Q: Are teens more likely to interpret these shows as realistic or exaggerated dramas?  

I think it really depends on the kid. But many children and teens have trouble differentiating what’s likely to happen in real life and what’s something written for TV or created to generate lots of views online. Kids don’t necessarily understand that shows highly exaggerate or dramatize life because it makes a program more interesting or captivating to watch. They may really struggle to understand that a certain events or outcomes that happen on TV aren’t necessarily realistic or likely. This is particularly true if kids are spending a lot of time watching intense or exaggerated dramas or shorts. 

For example, in 13 Reasons Why, when the main character Hannah dies by suicide, it’s important to understand that suicide wasn’t the only option. There were other outcomes possible and other resources available that weren’t depicted in the drama.

Q: How does the accessibility of teen drama shows impact kids?  

Streaming services and the rise in short-format content (like TikTok) make it very easy to consume a lot of intense, violent or dramatic shows very quickly. Easy accessibility can be very harmful. Because we know that binge watching these dramatic shows, especially in isolation, can lead to mental health concerns, especially in kids and teens. 

Q: Why are teenagers particularly vulnerable to high rates of depression and anxiety?  

Being a teenager is a particularly tumultuous time of life, and it’s important to recognize that they don’t have a fully developed prefrontal cortex – the cognitive powers – to delay or inhibit risky behaviors, problem solve or think about consequences. This can lead to engaging in unsafe or regrettable behaviors.

Additionally, teens face the heavy weight of the future. They’re exploring who they are, learning how to navigate complex social relationships and thinking about what comes next. What job or education are they going to pursue? Where are they going to live? Teens are being asked to make big life decisions without the benefit of a fully developed brain. This makes them vulnerable to all kinds of mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety. 

Q: Should I allow my teen to watch intense teen drama shows?  

Ultimately, it’s up to the caregiver to decide. Strict media bans tend not to work and may increase our teens’ secretiveness or make them less likely to come to us when they’ve seen something upsetting online. But that’s not to say there’s no rules around these shows or types of content. Collaborate with your child on setting limits. When your child has a voice and gets to help create rules, they’ll be more invested in following these rules. And if you’re telling your kids a show is off limits for now, be sure to tell them why. When you’re transparent about your concerns, your kids will be more likely to understand why a rule is in place and follow it. 

If you’re allowing your kids to watch intense dramas, try your best to watch together. This way, you know exactly what your kid is seeing, and you’re there to observe and watch their reactions. You can pause. You can help them process their thoughts, feelings and reactions. You can also discuss how certain situations align with reality or with your child’s or family’s values. Is this in line with who you are? Who we are? Who you want to be? 

Q: How can parents start conversations about these shows without judgement?  

Asking what a kid knows about a show is a good way to start. Be honest and open about what you know. You can say, “Have you heard of this show? It seems like it shows some intense stuff!” If your child has seen a show with mature content, ask them what they thought. If they’ve watched something that deals with suicide, bullying or physical violence, ask your child if they’ve had any similar experiences or had any friends go through something similar. Asking about thoughts of suicide does not increase thoughts of suicide.

Most likely, you won’t be able to ask these questions in a way that avoids eye rolls, but by starting the conversation, it shows that you care. This will make your child more likely to come to you if they’ve seen something scary and need help processing it. 

Q: How can I help my kids process their emotions after they watch something?  

It's important to validate any emotion your child shares with you. This can be as simple as saying, “It makes sense you’re feeling scared after watching that scary movie!” Then try to summarize and reflect what your child shares with you. For example, “It sounds like you’re feeling scared to go to sleep now."

Show that you are listening to your child by putting away distractions, making eye contact and nodding. Finally, avoid minimizing or dismissing the emotions your child shares. Don't say, "Oh, it wasn’t that scary, you’ll be okay!” or “It’s not that big of a deal, you’ve seen worse!” This communicates that your child’s emotions are not acceptable, and it may decrease the likelihood that they share with you in the future. 

Q: What are the signs that my teen is having an increase in mental health concerns after watching these shows? 

If they’re starting to withdraw or isolate from family and friends, not engaging in activities they typically enjoy, experiencing significant mood changes, or talking about wanting to die or having no reason to live or fixating on death — those are signs that your child is experiencing mental health concerns. Changes in sleep patterns, increased substance use or new substance use can also be a sign.

Q: When should a parent reach out for help?  

If you’re seeing those symptoms, it’s best to proceed with caution and reach out to your pediatrician. It’s also very appropriate to be upfront about asking if they’re having thoughts of suicide. If that’s the case, seek urgent help and call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or go to a crisis center.

Mental health and suicide resources 

• Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 800-273-8255 | Text “START” to 741-741 | En Español 1-888-628-9454 
• 988 Colorado Mental Health Line | 988
• Safe2Tell Colorado | 877-542-7233
• Children’s Colorado Pediatric Mental Health Institute | 720-777-6200 
• National Association of School Psychologists’ Tips for Teens 
• National Association of School Psychologists’ Tips for Parents and Educators