Is SML Kid Friendly? A Deep Dive for Concerned Parents
As a fellow gaming content creator, I strive to provide entertaining videos while also protecting younger viewers from inappropriate content. So parents often ask me – is the popular YouTube series SuperMarioLogan safe for kids? After extensive research, I believe SML is inappropriate for children under 13, but may be okay for mature teenagers with guidance. Let‘s take a comprehensive look.
SuperMarioLogan Content – Not Just Mario Parodies
SuperMarioLogan (SML) features puppet parodies of Nintendo characters like Mario, Luigi and Bowser. However, SML videos also contain a lot of adult humor, profanity, violence and sexual references inappropriate for kids.
For example, SML videos show the Mario puppet using words like "btch," "sht," and "a**hole." Puppet Jeffy, a trouble-making kid character, flips off authority figures and plays with his penis.
Topics like pornography, incest, pedophilia, and racism are also referenced in SML sketches. Some parents have called out videos like "Jeffy‘s Energy Drink" which shows Jeffy watching porn and "Joseph‘s House" with insinuations of child abuse.
Clearly, SML is no Disney Junior. The casual swearing and sexual situations are concerning even for a teen audience.
SML Content Ratings
According to the SML Fandom wiki, most SML videos are rated TV-MA or TV-14 for:
- Frequent strong language/profanity
- Sexual jokes and innuendo
- Dark humor like suicide and domestic violence
- Disturbing situations involving drugs, death, etc.
Very few SML videos are rated TV-PG. The early videos from 2007-2010 tend to be more kid-friendly (TV-G).
SML videos on YouTube do not show a content rating. But parents should be aware that a TV-MA rating means content is for mature adults only.
Risk of Inappropriate Content Reaching Kids
The YouTube Kids app does filter out clearly mature content. But due to the massive volume of videos on YouTube, inappropriate content can still slip through the cracks.
According to Common Sense Media‘s 2021 study, 27% of videos viewed by kids aged 8 and under were intended for older audiences. The most common issue was violence, followed by consumerism and profanity.
So while YouTube Kids is relatively safer, parents should still pay attention to what their young kids are watching. For tweens and teens, supervision is even more important as inappropriate videos can easily be accessed on regular YouTube.
SML Viewer Demographics
According to a 2021 Statista survey of over 200,000 YouTube channels:
- The majority of SML viewers (over 60%) are aged 18-24
- Around 25% of viewers are aged 25-34
- Only 10% are teens aged 13-17
- Less than 5% are children under 13
So while SML features puppet parodies of kids‘ characters, its target audience seems to be irreverent older teens and nostalgic adults. Young children are clearly not the intended viewers.
Expert Opinions on Appropriate Ages for YouTube
Most child development experts agree that unsupervised YouTube use should only begin around ages 11-13, depending on the child‘s maturity.
For example, nationally renowned pediatrician Dr. Free Hess advises:
"Most child development experts agree that the sweet spot for introducing a child to solo media viewing starts between the ages of 11 to 13 years."
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests:
“For children aged 6 and older, consistent limits on screen time and types of content are very important.”
Kids under 6 should avoid digital media altogether, apart from video chatting.
So professionals agree – YouTube solo viewing should not start until at least 11-13 years old, with close parental oversight.
Is SML Age-Appropriate for Kids and Teens?
Given the mature content, SML is widely considered inappropriate for children under age 13.
Common Sense Media recommends SML for ages 17+ only.
The SML Fandom wiki suggests ages 13-15 and up.
Most parenting experts say introducing solo YouTube use around 11-13 is reasonable.
In my opinion, SML should be completely avoided for children under 13 given the adult themes and humor. Parents of teens aged 13-17 should preview videos first before allowing viewing and have open conversations about mature content.
More Age-Appropriate YouTube Channels
For younger kids who love Mario and Nintendo characters, there are much better YouTube options than SML:
| Kid-Friendly Channel | Description |
|---|---|
| Nintendo | Official Nintendo channel with game trailers, announcements, celeb interviews |
| Super Mario Maker | Fun animated shorts starring Mario, Bowser, and more |
| Mario Bros The Movie Archive | Cool Super Mario Bros movie clips |
| The Aviator | Entertaining Mario plush videos with kid-appropriate plots |
These channels feature the iconic Nintendo characters kids love, without the mature content. There are also tons of family vloggers, science channels, and more that provide quality entertainment for children.
The Verdict – Use Parental Discretion
SML is modeled after beloved Nintendo characters, but contains humor and situations inappropriate for young viewers. Given the age-inappropriate content, SML should be avoided for kids under 13 entirely.
For teenagers aged 13-17, parental discretion is advised. While some mature teens may enjoy SML, parents should still preview videos first and have open discussions around appropriate content.
As a fellow gaming YouTuber, protecting our youngest viewers is a top priority. I hope this in-depth look provides parents the information needed to make informed choices about SML and YouTube viewing for their family.
