I had been watching the original Law and Order since I was eight or nine without issue, so my usually very cautious mother thought it would be okay for me to watch SVU starting when I was about thirteen. That was a big mistake - I was an innocent kid who didn't know much about consensual sex but I was seeing all this stuff about rape and molestation - and it kind of skewered my views on sex. It kind of messed me up for several years. My Mom could tell I was upset by it and made me stop watching it, and I'm glad she did. Now I watch it every now and then, but it is disturbing even now! Even the original Law and Order is getting darker and darker - rent the first few seasons of the good old original on DVD instead of watching on TV if you have kids or young teens.

I love this show. My husband and I record every eipsode and watch them after our kids go to bed. I started watching this the year it started. If I watch a certian eisode and don't think that its to bad my older kids might get to watch it.

I've been watching the show since twelve (I am almost fourteen now) and am totally addicted. The show is well cast with Mariska and Chris leading the team under the watchful eye of Dann Florek. Forced intercourse is a main theme of the show and I have been very affected by some of the episodes to the point of tears. It is definitely for a mature audience and I adore Mariska and Diane Neal. The issues it deals with can be very controversial and some parents might not want their younger teens exposed to them. The personal relations between the squad are hard-core, complicated, and emotional. Although John Munch keeps even the darkest episodes (every episode is DARK!!!) tolerable, I urge parents to watch them and/or read a full description about them before allowing their child to view them... especially if there are doubts about how well your child can handle the themes. Some episodes are pretty good for viewers 12+ whereas some are not a good choice for even 14+. It deals with very real situations and I think it is good for the horrors of humankind to be exposed. I love this show and will not discontinue watching it!

I am 21 years old and I have been watching this show for a long time I was sexually abused and this show inspired me and helped me alot, Olivia Benson although only a character is played so well by Marishka encouraged me to seek help and I would personally thank her and reccommend that parents allow there children to watch it incase there child is going through it and doesnt know what to do or so they can understand what is happening and how to handle it, it will also teach them that police are there to help you if you need it and kick you in the ass if you deserve it, I have 2 young children and I will allow them to watch it from 15 onwards.

It is a wonderful show, but shows the most depraived side of life. Some of the plots are even a bit much for me to take. I don't think that the average preteen would fare well with some of the adult themes, however, there can be some lessons to be learned (who not to trust etc...). All in all, just keep an eye on the content and mind the younger ones while enjoying this show.

GREAT show!!! Wonderful acting and characters. NEVER miss an episode. LOVE Stabler, Benson, Munch anc Ice-T. PERFECT casting!!!

Excellent stories relating to topics relevant today.

With not much violence, language, or nudity, I cannot see why people complain about how bad it is. Granted, they may have vivid description of rape and sex crimes; but always in a negative manner. They mainly talk about natural bodily functions.

I thik this show tops 'em all, but them I mean other cop shows like CSI and 24. Even Prison Break can't top this. But, too much rape and killing may be too much for children not mature enough, 8 and under, expect nightmares about sex and killing.

I used to run out of the room whenever my mom would watch it, but now I watch it every day! It's purely flawless and I love the Fin and Munch relationship.

This is the most disturbing in the series. This show can be upsetting and is a little mature for kids under 14. Otherwise, it is a good show.

This is the most disturbing in the series. This show can be upsetting and is a little mature for kids under 14. Otherwise it is a good show.

This is a purely flawless show. It probably has the best team of actors and actresses on television. There are a few episodes that push the limits like the undercover episode but it is just a spectacular show. If you can handle horrid crimes its a must watch

This show is probably OK for 10 year olds and up. Nowadays, all my friends know about sex and drugs, so we can handle it. This show is downright spectacular! Mariska Hargitay is my idol now. She is the best actress since Scarlet O'Hara in GONE WITH THE WIND. This show is about sexual crimes, so you should watch it with your parents, but if you think you can handle it on your own, be my guest. THIS IS A MUST-WATCH SHOW!

These is not for kids who cant take on too much all at ounce. The social message is good, but if you were'nt expecting violence and sex you should'nt be watching the Special Victims Unit!

This show is great, because it reveals the real world about rapeist and other sexually related matter. It will teach children that the world isn't a safe place. And it has some comedy here and there.

Of the three (four, counting the now defunct Trial By Jury) Law and Orders, SVU is by far the best. The show centers around Detectives Elliot Stabler (Chris Meloni) and Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay). The supporting cast includes Dann Florek, Ice-T, B.D. Wong, and Richard Belzer. Almost all of the episodes center around sex crimes (rape, child molestation, incest, etc.) but the actual offense is never shown, and the good guys always win. It is mentioned that Detective Benson was born of a rape, which would explain her intense passion for her job. (In one episode, she gets a call from a girl who claims to be held captive and forced to pose for child pornography. Benson will not give up on the case, despite her co-workers telling her that it is probably a prank.) As someone who wants to become a cop when he grows up, I greatly enjoy watching this show as it portrays the police in a good light and always has them catching the perpetrators. Parents should take caution when letting their children watch this show, as it frankly discusses sexual offenses. However, it does not promote criminal behavior, which is why I believe it is a good show.

This is an amazing show that is still realistic in its nature. I love watching the crimes unfold, and it is greatly entertaining. The plot lines are thrilling, and I cannot wait until the next episode!

well i watch it anytime it showz so i dont see y dey would rate it 16+ i watch it w/ my parents so personally i dont see a problem and plus it helps me be more aware of my surronding though i do suggest kids 8 and younger not watch this and plus i dont get scared im 12 going 13 so i kno almost everything they talk bout

i like this movie alot. i like dect olivia benson and ada alex cabot

I watch this with my family (I also watch 24, Law and Order, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, ER and other shows like this) and we all say it's addicting. It's great. Sometimes you think they're not going to solve the case, but they always do. My family loves it, but it's not for kids under 11, it's too violent.