Am I being unreasonable to let my 12-year-old watch Hazbin Hotel?

[RareOpalRobin]

Hi everyone,

I need some perspective on this. My 12-year-old has recently become very interested in a show called Hazbin Hotel. I did a bit of research and found out that it's an animated series with mature themes, strong language, and adult humor.

From what I've seen, it doesn't seem very appropriate for kids, but my child insists that all their friends are watching it and that it's "not that bad."

Honestly, I'm not too bothered by it. I know it's not the most wholesome content, but I think my child is mature enough to handle it. Plus, I'd rather they watch it at home where I can keep an eye on things and discuss any questions or concerns that come up.

Am I being unreasonable to let my 12-year-old watch Hazbin Hotel?

Thanks for your thoughts!

I watched about 2 episodes, and it tbh doesnt seem that bad.

Anyone?

My 13 year old DDs friends all love it. However I watched a bit alone that dealt with some worrying sexual themes - abuse and rape - and its on the banned list in my house!

Episode 4 explores the pornstars story. And there is alot of sexual abuse and a fair bit of sex scenes when he's signing his song. Watch it the song on YouTube and you can decide there. The rest of it isn't bad at all.
The song it poison by angeldust

DD understands that what that pimp guy does is horrid (he's portrayed as a villain in some way)

I wouldnt ban it - I would rather she watches it then some of those more worrying teen shows.

Will add he's only a pornstar as he's being force by his contract with another character

Hard no from me. I'm not sure what episodes you watched that you thought were ok but one of the main characters is forced into pornography where they're physically and sexually abused by a violent pimp. It's really not a kids programme at all.

Most of this flew over my head - poison isnt in the episode I think - it was fanmade originally - bit like gacha heat - and then added into the album - so it's not in the show.

Yeah, I get the abuse point, but I would rather DD watches this where they are actively portraying the pimp as a prick and trying to some point get rid of him/free angeldust, then some of those abuse glorifying influencers like andrew tate etcetera.

I watched 1, 2 and then 4 when DD wanted to show me the characters whilst she was watching it.

I would say the abuse is more implied/behind closed doors.

And the contract is for his soul, not his being a pornstar afaik.

The pimp just exploits it to some degree.

This has a pretty thorough synopsis of episode 4 (for those of us at work who can't watch it!!). I don't care HOW they are portraying the pimp - there is no bloody way by young DD is going to be watching ANYTHING where there is a pimp, sexual violence and worrying sexual themes!

HAZBIN HOTEL Recap: (S01E04) Masquerade (geekgirlauthority.com)

To be honest, that recap is a bit seedified then what I actually remember.

Yeah, there are crude jokes.

But I cannot remember much sex, and to be honest I cant see whats worse then squid game, ELITE or similar things, which her friends watch

DD became a fan of it quickly - and she understands that the pimp is the villain - the show doenst glorify him in any way.

Absolutely not. It explores VERY adult themes, including sexual violence and glorified drug use. My kids are both aware because I watch it, they listen to some of the none explicit songs but I wouldn't let them watch it. It's a great show but not a children's show.

You sound like you've very much already made up your mind, so what were you hoping for from this thread? Lots of posts saying, yeah my 12 year old loves it too, all good?

Drug use is glorified in even rap songs and Doja Cat's name.

I would rather DD be aware of what a pimp and porn are - just so she doesnt fall down a similar trap.

To be honest - I watched a large amount of it, and would rate most the episodes 12+ and just ep4 15+.

I'm just interested in other perspectives.

I agree there are lots of messages in popular culture that are not appropriate for children, it doesn't mean they can and should access more adult content. Like PP have said, you sound like you've made up your own mind so not sure why you asked. It's an adult show but if you are happy for your kid to watch it, go for it.

If you are going to allow her to continue watching it, how about you watch it together, then you can discuss the themes as they come up. I have watched a handful of carefully curated 15+ shows (like The Good Place, Brooklyn 99-nothing too racy!) with my 12 and 14 yo DC but it's a good chance to discuss some of the behaviour in them. It's opened up some good discussions.

My 14 year old niece is obsessed with it and has been watching it for some time, probably since she was about 12. She also does a lot of cosplay as the characters including on tik Tok and going to cons where she lives.
If I'm honest it she was my daughter I wouldn't be allowing it - especially the pouty Tik Tok cosplay stuff - but she's not mine and my sister appears ok with it.

It's really full on though.

Why should a TWELVE year old be learning about pimps? OP you have slid down the slippery slope of modern amorality and don't even know it. What the hell happened to childhood innocence? Why does no-one want to protect these precious few years when children can be free of adult concerns like pornography and prostitution? Exposure to these things doesn't help them be "streetwise" it only darkens their view of the world they're entering into. It makes them more LIKELY to accept that this is the way things are.

And saying it's no worse than a list of other horrendously inappropriate shows doesn't help your case.

@scatterolight I wish there was a 'love' for your post. Absolutely, 100% agree with you.

Yeah, I do use it as a discussion starter - like 'Why do you think Angeldust doesnt just leave? Do you think he is afraid of what Valentino can do?'

or 'Why do you think Angeldust takes so many drugs?'

or 'Why has Vaggie left the angels for Charlie?'

etcetera.

It's a surprisingly good discussion tool - much better than teen shows like Apple Tree House.

My 11 year old DD asked if I could check if it was appropriate as some of her friends had watched it and told her to but she wanted to make sure I approved of its content before she started watching it (she's a very sensible kid and said she didnt want to watch something that would traumatise her later).

I had never heard of it but we watched the trailer together and two seconds in, we both decided it wasnt appropriate. Not at 11. Not at 12 and not until she's much older.

Why expose your child to more inappropriate material than they are already being subjected to?

My daughter learnt about porn in sex ed - her online school (we travel a lot nowadays) also has sex ed.

I taught my daughter about pimps when we were passing a brothel in Europe and she asked why is there a poster of a half dressed lady?

I would rather she understands it than send nudes to a boy or the likes.

She lives a standard life - trust me when she wakes up she does not worry about prostitutes, pimps or porn.

My daughter is mature for her age - there is no reason to keep all this from her.