Themes such as friendship and self-respect are frequently explored as SpongeBob is always in the process of learning to be a better person (er, sponge).
Positive Role Models
a little
SpongeBob is loyal to his friends, especially his best bud Patrick; others don't get along so well but occasionally learn lessons through their conflicts.
Educational Value
none
The show entertains rather than educates.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants is an animated comedy about a sea sponge and his underwater friends. There's lots of name-calling, mockery, and fantasy violence, but it's all very over-the-top and cartoonish. Messages about friendship, perseverance, and self-respect are frequent, and the relationships between SpongeBob and his crew are authentic and surprisingly touching. That said, the frenetic pace, sometimes edgy humor, and overall silliness of the show make SpongeBob a real "know your kid" situation.
I am an adult, but this is a kids-aimed show that I still enjoy! Whenever I am feeling anxious or I need something light to watch, this is my go-to show that I can make me laugh and I enjoy every minute of it! It does earn the TV-Y7 rating, though, but I think if you think your 5- or 6-year-old kid is mature enough to see it, then let them enjoy the jokes and comedy in every minute of the show! It does have some name-calling and taunting that parents with young kids must be aware of, but there is no strong profanity in the series. Other than that, characters like SpongeBob and Patrick do not use their common sense as much as they should, but they are never mean to those around them. I would say that SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy are the positive role models in the series because they are nice and caring. Meanwhile, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and Plankton are examples of characters who do NOT set a good example for behavior, since they represent behavior including bad mood, greed, and stealing. Squidward is always in a bad mood and annoyed with SpongeBob and Patrick. Mr. Krabs is very greedy and frugal and would not even give a penny to anyone in need. Plankton is the main antagonist whose goal is to steal the formula for the Krabby Patty, the signature entree at the Krusty Krab, the restaurant managed and owned by Mr. Krabs. These characters are not to be followed when it comes to behavior. But make sure your kids know that the good role models are SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy. I recommend it to all audiences except for infants and toddlers. I will always love and appreciate this show for what it is and how many years it has been made.
Parents need to know that SpongeBob has poor positive choices and there is plenty of adult jokes, including one penis joke. Glimpses of naked butts are visible in some episodes. Language includes "idiot" "stupid" and "Holy Krabby Patties". There are plenty of SpongeBob dismemberments and cartoony injuries and explosions. There is also a character called Mr. Crabs (Mr. Krabs) who has an unhealthy obsession with money. This show might make toddlers and preschoolers get brainwashed; the unrealistic durability of SpongeBob is one of the main reasons.
What's the Story?
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS (voiced by Tom Kenny) lives in Bikini Bottom on the floor of the Pacific Ocean. He works as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab restaurant and spends his down time with those he considers his two best buddies: a woefully unintelligent but lovable sea star named Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke), who returns SpongeBob's friendship; and a grouchy, six-tentacled octopus named Squidward (Rodger Bumpass), who doesn't. SpongeBob and Patrick embark on self-misguided adventures that always land them in some sort of absurd situation, but their spirits are never dampened by their off-the-wall predicaments. Nor are they ever put off by the constant ridicule and disdain they encounter from Squidward, who tries to steer clear of their antics but often finds himself in the middle of their messes as they try relentlessly to win his friendship.
This show is sweet, well-intentioned, and full of zany humor and silly scenes that will appeal to many viewers. It also offers plenty of positive messages about friendship, hard work, and loyalty. SpongeBob isyellow, porous, and perpetually happy, and he'd likely be called a kitchen sponge more often than a sea sponge, but there's no doubt that he's one of the sea's most famous residents. Since the cheery fellow's debut in 1999, this cartoon series has earned a spot at the top of Nickelodeon's ratings chart and maintains a huge fan following that includes kids and adults.
But some aspects of SpongeBob SquarePants will leave parents wanting to preview the series before letting their kids watch. Characters often speak sarcastically and act rudely to each other -- and, unlike in real life, no one seems bothered by the mean-spirited things that are said. What's more, situations are often resolved with violence, and the frequent songs sometimes touch on iffy subject matter such as bombs and making fun of people. The fast pace of the show also might be a concern for parents, especially those of younger kids. Parents also might be put off by SpongeBob's often annoying personality and his tendency to take jokes too far, but the messages of friendship always shine through the silliness.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about friendship in SpongeBob SquarePants. Which characters are good friends? How do they show they care about each other? What do you do to show your friends you like them?
If your kids tend to believe everything they see, watch this show carefully with them and ask about what they see and what they understand.
How does the show reflect real marine life? What type of creature is each character? How do their depictions differ from their real-life versions?
How do the characters in SpongeBob SquarePants demonstrate gratitude? Why is this an important character strength?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
