The Office OK for 11 year old?

[Anonymous]

Does your kid understand it’s a mockumentary and that Michael Scott and Dwight Schrutte are jokes for their behavior and beliefs? If yes, it’s fine. If not, start there.

[Anonymous]

There’s definitely some inappropriate stuff. I think the bigger issue is whether the child can understand that the type of jokes aren’t appropriate for school - all the race and gender stuff. In some ways Michael Scott is a character that could not be done today because using racial/gender discomfort as humor isn’t really that acceptable because it’s sort of a covert way to continue to make the unacceptable jokes. An 11 year old may not be old enough to understand that and could get themselves into trouble.

Also, I think it’s a totally valid family choice not to let your tween consume a lot of edgy/rude/irreverant media. My kid watches the Simpsons nonstop, but I totally get that his bestie’s family has a more conservative take on media consumption. We just happen to be a more edgy and funny family; but that’s not their culture, and that’s totally valid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of course it’s fine. Watch as a family, and point out when it’s racist, sexist, homophonic, and not ok. Not necessarily in a pause and have a whole discussion way, but in a, we can all agree that’s really not ok but it’s a ridiculous tv show and not a model for our lives.

But it’s much more complex than that. Obviously Michael Scott is not supposed to be appropriate- that’s the whole joke. The question is, is it ok to laugh at someone for being inappropriate? Because that’s the entire premise of the show.

[Anonymous]

My DD loves the office and modern family. I’m ok with her watching them. They are funny.

[Anonymous]

I think my kids watched it at that age. My 15 year old (youngest) knows every episode and loves the podcast "The Office Ladies".

Also loves Parks and Rec and Superstore (like a PP)!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Common Sense Media does thoughtful reviews: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/the-office

The Big Bang Theory (although given the same rating age wise): https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/the-big-bang-theory
seems a little tamer IMO.

Yes, there's sexual innuendo in both shows, The Office b/c the office manager (Steve Carell's character) is blatantly racist/sexist and it's supposed to be "funny," but not if kids don't understand the humor.

I would personally let an 11 year old watch the Office over the Big Bang Theory. The messages BBT theory promote aren't something I'd want to place in front of a kid that age.

Agree. Something about BBT really rubs me the wrong way. Not a fan.

[Anonymous]

Slightly off topic but “I’m mature for a 12 year old” seems to be the kid version of “I look young for a 50 year old”

[Anonymous]

I used to watch Three's Company when I was like 9 or 10! The Office seems tame in comparison.

[Anonymous]

I’m a sixth grade teacher so mostly 11 year olds. A few years ago a ton of my students were watching it. Not as many this year. It’s definitely a show where some episodes would not be appropriate, and others not too bad. Overall it’s above their level of maturity I’d say but a lot of reasonable level headed kids were watching it and I don’t think it’s a big deal

[Anonymous]

My kids are 12 and The Office is one of our favorite mindless shows (thanks Comedy Central!) to watch together. When there are things that go above their head we talk about it. There is nothing in that show that I don’t feel comfortable talking about with my 12 year olds.

[Anonymous]

Yep! Some bad talk, but.. I think if they are mature enough to understand and like “Young Sheldon”, I think they should be able to watch “The Office” too.