The show is good from my point of view, but I think that kids six and under might use the words a lot.
Tools for this page
SpongeBob SquarePants
(Rated TV-Y7, Children, cartoons, & animation, Starring Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass, Where to watch: Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, DVD, Online)
-
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 4, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 6. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Edgy underwater comedy may be iffy for young kids.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 6–8
What to watch out for
-
Violence & scariness:
-
Sexy stuff:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About SpongeBob SquarePants
Parents need to know that this cartoon includes violent, dark satirical humor that will confuse kids who can't separate fantasy and reality. Characters' relationships are marred with name-calling and mockery, but no one ever seems affected by the exchanges. Anger and frustration often lead to physical (which, in the real world, would be harmful) resolutions that leave no lasting effects. Messages about friendship, perseverance, and self-respect are mixed into the plot, but the overall silliness of the show and the main characters' annoying behavior often make them hard to find. All in all, this is a real "know your kid" situation.
Read our full review by Emily Ashby
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about being a good friend. 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? Parents can also pull out a biology book and discuss marine life with their kids. What type of creature is each character? How do their depictions differ from their real-life versions? If your kids tend to believe everything they see, watch this show carefully with them and ask them about what they see and what they understand.
Our Members Say
See all 314 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
Good for seven and up.
- I rate this title off for age 6 and give itMy concerns are:
- Negative role models
SpongeBob is stupid
I don't like the newer SpongeBobs. It is losing it's humor and coming up with stupid ideas. Earlier Episodes are very funny but now spongebob is just annoying.
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
Watch sparingly, a good "downtime" cartoon
Spongebob is definitely one of those cartoons that I would equate with 'downtime' for a child. I think it is a fine silly and funny cartoon for the lighter moments in between school, homework, activities and sports. Kids are incredibly scheduled these days and this cartoon can server as a fun "off " time. I would certainly tune in sparingly as there are other, far more educational choices, but again Spongebob has it's place.
- I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
WOOOHOOOOOOO!!!
This couldn't get much better!
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
My Favorite Show because it's funny for all ages!
I loved it ever since it came out! Yep, loved it since I was not even one year old! The only problems (which are SOOO minor) are cartoonish violence almost NEVER featured and the mild, brief sexual innuedo every once in a while. Honestly, don't skip! It's fun for everyone!
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Ratings at a Glance
| 53% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 47% | of parents say it's too violent |
| 41% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
| 35% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
Have you seen it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
