Tools for this page
Print

Paw Paws

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Kids will like magical bear tribe's adventures.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    There are no real pointed lessons here, but good always triumphs, and evil is occasionally chastened. The characters' costumes and customs have Native American connections -- which now suggest some dated stereotypes.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    These cuddly creatures are engaged in the eternal battle of good vs. evil -- or, in this case, nice vs. mean. They attack one another, but the methods are never deadly or even dangerous -- any injuries usually come from falling after a failed attempt at some kind of stunt. Grabbing, restraining, and abductions are common.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Once, you could buy Paw Paws figurines at the toy store -- now they go for big bucks on eBay.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Paw Paws

Parents need to know that although the Paw Paws look like adorable Care Bears in Native American dress, there's some violence in this cartoon that, although mild, could be scary for very young viewers. Characters fall from great heights, are grabbed by gigantic creatures, and call to one another in fear, and it can be difficult to tell the "good" Paw Paws from the "bad" ones. The bears' Native American trappings may strike some viewers as being dated and/or stereotypical today.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the show uses Native American/"tribal" costumes and images -- in this case, tomahawks and an all-important totem pole. Would a cartoon made today include these items? If it did, do you think they would be treated differently? Why? How do people's ideas of what stereotypes aren't OK change over time? What changes them?
Tools and tips that can help
Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Enter your email address
I am over 13 years old
Tell us your child's age
Why we ask
Why we ask
Providing your kids' age allows us to give you personalized recommendations for your family on our site and in our weekly newsletter (coming soon) - so you get better information, faster.Your privacy is our priority.

You are now subscribed to the Common Sense weekly newsletter!

To write reviews and create a public profile, complete your account set-up here.

Our Members Say

Have You Seen It? Review It!
  • What did you think about Paw Paws?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Find TV reviews by title

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Site of the Week

    Age 4+
    KidZui

    KidZui

    Kids' browser features prescreened, safe sites.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Cheating Via Chat?

    Cheating Via Chat?

    Is it OK for kids to do homework on Facebook?

  • Tech Tip

    What parents need to know. All About Avatars

    What parents need to know.

  • Member Buzz

    What is Twitter?

    What is Twitter?

    What's all the buzz about?

  • Download This

    Age 2+
    European Playground

    European Playground

    Give kids a taste of Europe's languages and rhythms.