 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Winx Club
- Nickelodeon
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Fairy-themed cartoon raises body image issues for tweens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the main characters in this fantasy cartoon aimed at young girls wear minimal clothing that shows off their impossible body proportions. In other words, this show does little to promote positive body image in its young audience, since what kids see on screen is an unattainable goal. Stereotyping is strong in a few of the teens, who moon over boys and talk about dating; evolving relationships mean that there's some kissing and hugging, too. Violence is a concern as well, and although most of it is rooted in fantasy (energy balls, light swords, etc.) and blood and gore are nonexistent, some storylines do incorporate a character's death. That said, the content's not all bad; the magical storyline appeals to young tweens' sense of fantasy, and recurring themes of cooperation, respect, and friendship offer some teaching moments for kids.
What's the story?
Bloom (voiced by Liza Jacqueline) is an ordinary teen whose life changes forever when she rescues Stella (Amy Birnbaum) from a pack of monsters. Once the dust settles, Bloom is shocked to learn that Stella is actually a fairy princess from another planet -- but that's nothing compared to Bloom's reaction to discovering her own magical powers. At Stella's urging, Bloom enrolls in Alfea College, a school for fairies in the Magical Dimension. Together with their roommates Musa (Lisa Ortiz), Tecna (Cathy Weseluck), and Flora (Kerry Williams), these powerful fairies form the Winx Club and set out to counter their enemies, a trio of witches from a rival school. They're often joined by four magical Specialists, and later episodes show them joined by new fairies Layla (Christina Rodriguez) and Roxy.
Is it any good?
Start with mystical fairy powers, add the ability to fly, flashy clothes, and the constant slumber-party atmosphere of the fairy boarding school, and you have any tween girl's recipe for fun. WINX CLUB is teeming with witches, warriors, and magical mysteries, but it's also bogged down by some content that's not so great for its very impressionable target audience. The girls sport tiny skirts and tummy-bearing tops that show off their impossibly small waistlines and slender legs, and everything from their long, flowing hair (pretty, but not very practical when you're fending off bad guys) to the mere poses they strike invokes some sexual undertones. And all that's in the absence of the guys, with whom they share hefty doses of flirting and eventually some dates and kisses.
Violence is the other sticking point, although this is probably less upsetting to parents than the sexiness since it's pretty fantasized (mostly energy balls and magical powers), and blood is minimal. On the upside, though, if your tweens do tune in, they'll be treated to an imaginative story with bold, take-charge heroines who find strength in cooperation, creativity, and a thoughtful approach to solving problems.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about body image. What do you think of the way the characters' bodies are drawn? How does what you see on TV and in movies influence your impression of what's attractive?
Are any of the characters in this show good role models? If so, who? What qualities are important to you in a role model? Who are some of your role models?
What role does stereotyping play in entertainment? How do writers use stereotyping for comedy? Are there instances in which this type of content isn't funny? Can stereotyping ever teach a lesson?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Nice plot, could do without some of the drama
I thought it had an interesting premise. But I don't like the girl's obsession with boys and dating. But many shows aimed at tween girls do. Parents: there is some violence, but it's all fantasy-like. Besides the dating/kissing, the girls wear short outfits, but I really think it depends on the parent whether or not it's acceptable; I don't think it's any worse than a barbie doll, but that's just me.
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Kid, 10 years old
May 21, 2011
AGE
WHAAAT?! Two stars? That's two stars too many!
This show does not make sense. It used to be on Saturday mornings. I would just snort at it and turn away. It wasn't too bad...now, it is going to be on Nick! My sister is going to wanna see it along with all those funny-looking movies (I don't like CGI). This is going to be so annoying, like those stupid Barbies.
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Kid, 12 years old
August 1, 2010
AGE
Parental Advisory: Girl Content
Yeah, There is The Blue Girl from Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Movie. Not Other Winx People
GIRLS ONLY! iffy for boys.
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AGE
Parental Advisory: Girl Content
Yeah, There is The Blue Girl from Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Movie. Not Other Winx People
GIRLS ONLY! iffy for boys.
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Kid, 11 years old
August 1, 2010
AGE
Parental Advisory: Girl Content
Yeah, There is The Blue Girl from Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Movie. Not Other Winx People
GIRLS ONLY! iffy for boys.
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AGE
I love it! but parents: watch out..
Great Show, except parents should watch it before their kids do, because the clothes aren't that good. Theres A BUNCH of violence, bit its not really scary, though. They have boyfriends,the specialists.and kissing is sometimes in it! I love you! is in it, but not like that matters or anything. Sometimes, too much drama though, for example: Oh no! My date is in an hour, only 5 minutes to put makeup!! AAAAH!. now THAT, really gets on my nerves. valtor (or baltor) is the evil guy. Him and Bloom, (fire power) are enimies because he killed her parents. They aren't really good role models. But i still love the show. It never gets boring. I would say its for 8 and up :)
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AGE
Great for Tweens
For a show aimed at Tweens (9-14+), Winx Club is right on the mark. The character design is distinctive, colourful and girly, other reviewers have pointed out the "sexualised" nature of the characters, but I disagree there - I don't see it as any more sexist than Barbie, Bratz or any other kids show. The actual characters themselves are all generally likable, which by comparison to many other shows actually have some depth - as far as them being role models is concerned, they're not any worse than most other kids shows, giving them longterm boyfriends (some of them are engaged) rather than flings was a great idea, im my opinion - it re-enforces the ideals of marriage and lasting relationships. Comparable shows would be W.I.T.C.H, Transformers or He-Man.
Your kids could do a lot worse than watch this show.
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Kid, 11 years old
May 8, 2011
AGE
awesome!!
i love this show!!They do look super unrealistic but it was still a pretty fun show.I used to watch it alot when i was younger and i still do some times but it was more fun when i could actually put myself in alfea with the winx club.I had a big imagination :P
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AGE
Kinda not a big huge fan but i like it and. . .
i like it but the way there dressed is very disgusting but the voilonce seems kinda bad but at least they do no gross stuff i think kids who are 6 and older could watch this but not toddlers or young ones like babies (they wouldn't care less!)
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, princesses and fairies, friendship |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Nickelodeon |
| Cast: | Christina Rodriguez, Dan Green, Liza Jacqueline |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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