Pretty Little Liars on Netflix - appropriate for 12-year-old DD?

[BadHairDay0]

Hi everyone, just after some advice really:

My DD has started watching Pretty Little Liars on Netflix (having finally come to the end of Once Upon a Time - which she was obsessed with!).

I'm just a teensy bit concerned about PLL - would you say it's suitable for a 12-year old? Nothing to base my concern on really, having never seen it myself. Just don't want her watching something which on the face of it looks like it might be trashy / too sexualised? / I generally have a loathing for American teen things anyway!

Cheers everyone x

[Balfe]

12 is such a difficult age. I wouldn't be very keen on it myself but with the combination of peer pressure, smart phones and sleepovers I'd try and compromise- can you watch with her and discuss it as you go?

[gastropod]

I've watched all the seasons and I don't really think it's suitable, no. Maybe in a couple of years. Lots of adult themes in there, as well as some seriously creepy bits!

[BadHairDay0]

Thanks for your advice

I've been onto commonsensemedia.org which has turned out to be so helpful.

Summary is: "The teens in this series based on the Harper Teen Novels of the same name engage in lots of naughty behavior like theft, defying parents' rules, breaking and entering, and general gossipy mockery. The story centers on an intense, ongoing incident of bullying by an unidentified person who threatens to reveal damaging secrets about her victims' private lives. Teen sexuality including a main character's homosexuality and a teen's sexual relationship with her high-school teacher makes for some intense physical encounters that stop just before the act itself (although it's referenced later). Expect some sporadic violence, including murder (but no blood) and scenes of dead bodies; a fair amount of language ("bitch," "damn," "ass," etc.) from the teens; and some misguided choices that lead the characters into dangerous situations, all of which is made possible by an extreme lack of parental influence. That said, mature teens and adults will find this series to be an enticing blend of drama, mystery, and suspense."

Definitely not something I want her to be watching, so will be carefully talking through my reasons with DD and then putting it on the blacklist for a few years (or better yet, forever!). Hopefully by the time she's allowed to watch it, she will have lost interest.

[BadHairDay0]

If anyone's got any recommendations for that tricky early-teen viewing, I'd be hugely grateful. TV or movies.

I'm looking for something which has positive role models, heart-warming stories, positive morals/messages, etc.

[itusedtobeverydifferent]

Heartland is a lovely show. It's Canadian, set on a ranch. No swearing, barely any violence, good morals, hardworking multi-generational family, beautiful scenery and horses.

Try watching it together. It really is lovely tv, a feel-good show.

[itusedtobeverydifferent]

Oh also the main female character in the show doesn't drink, which is refreshing. The lead actress actually lives on a ranch and has horses like her character, and is married. So if your daughter was keen to look into the actors of Heartland she would find a good role-model there too.

[BadHairDay0]

Fabulous! Thank you so much x

[itusedtobeverydifferent]

Enjoy.

[itusedtobeverydifferent]

I'm interested to know if you both enjoyed it.

[scrabbler3]

Switched at Birth is pretty good. And not too mature for a 12 yo.

[lottieandmia]

My dd watches it - she's 13. I think it's ok for her but she's very mature for 13.

[shewhomustbeEbayed]

My 13 yo DD was watching Pretty Little Liars earlier this year and we noticed a real change in her behaviour and method of communicating, she was watching so much of it that she was copying their communication style in terms of being evasive, since banning it she has reverted to her old self.
She's been enjoying Riverdale which your DD may enjoy ?

[Kjb920]

Gilmore Girls and Modern Family are much enjoyed by my teen DD.