Poster for On Children

On Children (2018) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Adapted from the novel by author Wu Hsiao-Le, the series consists of five independent stories about parenting, as well as children's pressures of growing up, when faced with the tragic consequences of social pressure, parental oppression and family dysfunction. Each story is told in two parts in this ten-part series.

TV-14 • 2018 • 1 season

Age
14+

“On Children” is a dark, intense Taiwanese anthology series that is strictly for mature audiences, despite its title. The series explores the crushing effects of extreme parental pressure and societal expectations on young people, often with a sci-fi or fantastical twist. Parents should be aware that the primary concerns are not language or typical violence, but pervasive and often graphic depictions of psychological distress… Sign up for the full guide

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Is On Children appropriate for kids?

“On Children” is a dark, intense Taiwanese anthology series that is strictly for mature audiences, despite its title. The series explores the crushing effects of extreme parental pressure and societal expectations on young people, often with a sci-fi or fantastical twist… Read more — free account

Content severity in On Children Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances None 0/10
Language Moderate 4/10
Sex/Nudity None 0/10
Violence/Gore Intense 10/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in On Children

None. This season contains no sexual content, nudity, or suggestive situations.

Violence and gore in On Children

Moderate to Strong. Violence is mostly psychological and emotional, depicting child verbal abuse, physical abuse (slapping, hitting, forced confinement), and self-harm. Episode 3 includes a graphic depiction of a past suicide, and another episode shows a character being tied and force-fed. The intent is often to highlight cruelty and control rather than gratuitous gore.

Language in On Children

Mild. Occasional instances of frustrated or angry dialogue, including some exclamations in Mandarin that translate to mild expletives or frustrated outbursts. It is not frequent or particularly strong.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in On Children

None. There is no depiction of drug, alcohol, or tobacco use in this season.

Mature themes in On Children

Strong. Pervasive themes of child abuse (emotional and physical), parental control and manipulation, academic pressure, mental illness, depression, and suicide. Characters frequently express feelings of hopelessness, despair, and being trapped. The show explicitly depicts the devastating impact of these dynamics on children and young adults, exploring the consequences of extreme societal and familial expectations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is On Children appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests On Children is best for ages 14+. It's rated TV-14. “On Children” is a dark, intense Taiwanese anthology series that is strictly for mature audiences, despite its title. The series explores the crushing effects of extreme parental pressure and societal expectations on…

What age rating does On Children have?

On Children is rated TV-14. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.

What is On Children about?

“On Children” is a dark, intense Taiwanese anthology series that is strictly for mature audiences, despite its title. The series explores the crushing effects of extreme parental pressure and societal expectations on young people, often with a sci-fi or fantastical twist. Parents should be aware that the primary…

How many seasons does On Children have?

On Children has 1 season covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in On Children?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across On Children.

How violent is On Children?

Violence isn't a standout concern across On Children per our reviewers.

Is the language in On Children appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across On Children.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in On Children?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across On Children.

What mature themes appear in On Children?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of On Children.

Where can I read the full On Children parent guide?

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