Is it Okay for an 11-Year-Old to Watch Naruto and Boruto?
Is it okay for an 11-year-old to watch the Naruto series and Boruto?
Introduction
Parents often wonder if animated shows like Naruto and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations are appropriate for their children. While these shows are beloved by many fans, they contain mature themes and content that might not be suitable for younger viewers.
Violence and Mature Themes in Naruto
One of the primary concerns for parents is the violence and mature themes present in Naruto. The show features intense combat scenes with frequent mentions and depictions of killing. Characters like Itachi Uchiha, who contemplates suicide and engages in brutal battles, add to the maturity of the series. Additionally, the presence of a character with a significantly advanced form due to a partnership with a monstrous snake (Tobi) raises ethical questions about the appropriateness of such content for children under the age of 15.
Content Ratings and Parental Guidance
While many animated series are marketed as child-friendly, the underlying content often requires a higher age rating. In Japan, the Rating System for Children assigns a “T” rating to much of the manga on which these anime series are based. This translates to an “Teen” or “Teen and Up” rating in the United States. It means that the content is not suitable for children under the age of 14, aligning with the Common Sense Media rating system.
Parents should consider these ratings carefully. Shows like Naruto, while popular, are often dubbed or adapted for younger audiences. However, the original version, including both the manga and the anime, contains themes and violence that are best reserved for older viewers. The One Piece adaptation by 4Kids Entertainment is a particularly egregious example, showing how much content is altered to cater to a younger audience.
Supervision and Parental Involvement
To ensure the proper viewing of these shows, it is advisable for parents to watch them together with their children. This allows for discussions about the content and the themes it presents, helping children to differentiate fantasy from reality. Episodes that depict violence, gore, and mature themes should only be watched under parental supervision. Only when a child reaches around 15 years of age and can understand the fantasy nature of the series, can they be left to watch it unsupervised.
Alternatives for Younger Viewers
For children who are too young for Naruto but still enjoy anime, there are alternatives like Digimon and Pokémon. These series are more focused on adventure, friendship, and light-hearted themes, making them more suitable for younger audiences. The characters and plotlines in these shows are designed to be engaging and appropriate for children under 10, providing a safe and enjoyable viewing experience.
Conclusion
To summarize, while Naruto and Boruto are beloved and well-made shows, the content they include is often too mature for younger viewers. Parents should carefully consider the age-appropriateness of these series and actively involve themselves in the viewing process to ensure their children's safety and the proper development of their values. For children under the age of 15, especially 11-year-olds, it is best to choose more appropriate content or to supervise their viewing of these shows.
?