Overview
If your family is a fan of The Office or Parks and Recreation, Abbott Elementary is a great show to have next on your list. This mockumentary takes place in an underfunded elementary school in Philadelphia. The main character is a chronically optimistic, young second-grade teacher who is consistently facing challenges — whether it’s battling school administration or just kids peeing on a rug. The show by no means covers up the faults and flaws of the public school system but does so with a humorous, tongue-in-cheek approach.
So, is Abbott Elementary safe for kids? We’d suggest this show is more appropriate for slightly older kids, but we listed out the details here so you can make the best decision for your child.
Harmful Content ❗️
While this is a funny and heartfelt show, there are a couple of things parents will want to be aware of. First, the humor can be somewhat crass at times. It’s often in the form of innuendos or subtle references to things that may go over most kids’ heads. If you are familiar with The Office, it’s a good frame of reference for the type of humor you can expect here.
Parents will also want to know that the show addresses some harsh realities of working in an underfunded school in the inner city. The first episode describes one student who is unable to sleep due to an unstable home life, so he sleeps in the classroom during lunch. The show will usually address these instances with sensitivity in the midst of the humor.
Language
There are some mild cuss words (such as “hell or a**”) in Abbott Elementary. There’s also a scene in the first episode in which a teacher has just quit and flips off the school as she leaves, but the gesture is blurred.
Sex
There are some innuendos and a couple of scenes where the principal makes inappropriate passes on a young male teacher. Additionally, this principal describes how she got the job because she caught someone in her church having an affair.
Aside from references like these, there is no explicit sexual content.
Violence
Abbott Elementary does not have violent content.
Positive Value 💫
With the familiar mockumentary style that has proven to be a fan favorite, Abbott Elementary hilariously portrays what working in the public school system is like. If you have experience with public schools (either as a student, teacher, or parent) you’ll likely find yourself relating to some of the sentiments of this show.
The main character, Janine, has a passion and optimism that shines through every difficulty she faces. Viewers will find themselves rooting for her as the underdog among the other older, more jaded teachers.
Additionally, the show could open up some conversations about the school system and how important it is to have someone in your corner who believes the best in you. The teachers know that these kids may not have support at home, so they do their best to be that support to the kids who need it most.
So, should my kid watch it?
For kids old enough to handle some of the more mature parts of the show (i.e., the crass humor and transparent struggles of inner-city life), then this may be one to add to their list! Of course, it depends on every child and family, but we’d say this show is safe for about ages 13 and up.
