The Next Step (2013) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Romantic storylines feature more prominently this season, including ongoing and new relationships. There is frequent flirting, hand-holding, and a few mild, chaste kisses, primarily between Riley and Alfie, and Noah and Amanda. The emotional aspect of these relationships is emphasized over any physical contact.

There is no physical violence or gore. The primary 'frightening' concept is competitive pressure and the stress of auditions or injuries, such as Emily's dance-ending injury in an earlier season (recounted here) or Noah's back injury, which are talked about but not graphically depicted.

The language in this season is very mild, consistent with a TV-G rating. Characters occasionally use words like "stupid" or mild exclamations in moments of frustration, but there is no profanity or harsh language.

There are no depictions or mentions of illegal drug use, alcohol, or smoking throughout this season. The dialogue remains entirely appropriate for a young audience, consistently avoiding mature subject matter or coarse language. Discussions focus strictly on dance competition logistics, interpersonal friendship drama, and team strategies.

Primary themes include the intense pressure and emotional toll of competitive dance, rivalry among friends, loyalty and betrayal, and navigating complex romantic relationships and friendships. Characters experience stress over auditions, fear of losing their spot on the team, and emotional upset due to relationship drama or perceived betrayals. There is a storyline where a character (Noah in a later season, this season focused on competition) injures themselves, but the injury itself is not depicted graphically.

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for The Next Step yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.