Squid Game-`should we be worried?

Stuart the creator of the STILL Method shares some thoughts.

I keep hearing how schools and parents are worried about Squid Game and it’s effect on children. My first thought was why when the show is rated 15.

So one of two things is happening either a bit of media hysteria, to give parents something else to worry about. Remember Mo Mo or the blue whale challenge.  Or children are watching it. Which points to a greater problem; our ability to control the content young people consume. 

As a therapist I’m not overly concerned about Squid Game and have not heard it mentioned in any sessions. However I am worried about other media young people absorb.  Which includes accessing extreme violence via the “back door” of socia medial. A greater more immediate worry is  speaking to children everyday who are receiving confusing and potentially harmful information about mental health on platforms such as TikTok. Myths and half truths that become reality and the normalisation of risky behaviours, without moderation or support. 

If we take anything from this weeks Squid Game outrage perhaps it could be that all of us, therapists, teachers and parents need to think more about the media our children are able to consume in less traditional ways and it’s effects.