Ben 10
- Network: Cartoon Network
- Genre: Science Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Alien-morphing and action -- every boy's dream.
- Network: Cartoon Network
- Genre: Science Fiction
What parents need to know
Educational value
Positive role models
Violence & scariness
Sexy stuff
Language
Consumerism
Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this 10-year-old superhero battles villains using physical violence. If parents have strong feelings about not letting their kids watch cartoons containing violence, then this one isn't for them. When facing evil, Ben is able to morph into one of 10 different alien creatures. This transformation is accompanied by dramatic visuals, dialogue, and music that may frighten younger viewers (especially those who don't understand the fantasy vs. reality concept). Some kids may be alarmed when the villains attack, punch, throw, shoot, and do whatever it takes to stop Ben. On a positive note, Ben relies on his Grandpa Max and cousin Gwen to help him get out of dangerous situations.
User reviews
Parents say
Kids say
What's the story?
Ben Tennyson (voiced by Claudia Schmidt) is a relatable 10-year-old who gets frustrated with his family, has challenges with peers, and gets caught up in problems that he can't solve alone. The difference is that his solution to solving problems starts with using his Omnitrix, a watch-like device that he found and wears. On it he can choose which one of 10 different aliens he wants to become. Though ultimately he's still Ben, just transformed into an alien form with superhero powers.
Is it any good?
QUALITY
If parents have strong feelings about not wanting their kids to watch violent cartoons, this one isn't for them. The animation is rich and colorful, inspired by the look of Japanese anime. Dialogue between main characters Max, Gwen, and Ben isn't up-to-par with the visuals, though, and needs to be updated to reflect how kids really speak to each other. Still, overlooking the violence, BEN 10 gives kids a peek into the world of science-fiction, along with exciting action and creative animation.
Families can talk about...
Families can talk about what makes this kid a hero. Is it his ability to morph into aliens and fight off villains, or is it that he takes on challenges and asks for support when needed?
Is it ever OK to fight back? When are other responses appropriate?
If kids are interested in Ben's alien-morphing abilities, use this opportunity to introduce science-fiction books and films.
TV details
| Cast: | Claudia Schmidt, Paul Eiding, Tara Strong |
| Network: | Cartoon Network |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Topics: | Magic and fantasy, Adventures, Space and aliens |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7-FV |
| Available on: | DVD, Streaming |
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QUALITY
Very disturbing - Not appropriate for young children
My son, who just turned five, has been into Ben 10 for a while. He has some Ben 10 toys, including the watch. And he spends a lot of time with a friend at pre-school pretending they are Ben 10 etc. As his father, I have to admit that I haven't really paid much attention to the show. His mother has watched some of the episodes with him, I wasn't thrilled by some of the things he was telling me about the show and the various characters - it just sounded kind of low-class and thoughtless, but I didn't get really worried about it until last night.
As he got ready for bed my son told me that he had seen something on the show that bothered him and made him feel very bad. He told me that there was a scene in which a cook who is preparing some food removes ear wax from her ear and adds it to the food.
I couldn't believe that this kind of "entertainment" would be set before our young children by a major network and I thought my son must have been mistaken about what was happening in the scene. But it turns out he was right.
The scene occurs in an episode called "A Chance of Face". From the "recap" page at tv.com (http://www.tv.com/Ben+10/A+Change+of+Face/episode/922189/recap.html): "In the cafeteria of the prison, it is lunch time, and Gwen is given a tray of yellowish goop. She asks the server if they have anything that’s organic, and the lunch lady gives her something that “she’s grown herself.” She sticks a finger inside her ear and mixes the earwax into her already disgusting food. The lunch lady tells her that she has more and should come back for seconds."
How many parents would think that this kind of gross image is good for young children? Especially young kids who are still learning about what kinds of food are good to eat.
Of course this show is rated TV-Y7, which means it might not be appropriate for kids younger than 7. But so is "Transformers" which does not contain this type of disturbing images. And of course the Cartoon Network knows that very young children are inevitably going to be exposed to the show and become absorbed in it, just by the times of day when they show it.
So that's how much they care about our kids.
A word to the wise: This show is not right for young children. Besides the violence there are very disturbing plot lines and images.
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QUALITY
Too dark and violent for kids
I feel Ben 10 is very violent and dark. The solution to all problems seems to be through violence and destroying things
What other families should know
Too much violence
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QUALITY
This show is much to violent for children. I cannot imagine any parent permitting a young child to watch this show. Maybe this is why so many children have violence issues.
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