Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba parents guide: What to know before you dive into the anime with kids

Does your child want to dive into the Demon Slayer craze? Here's an honest guide from a fellow parent to help you make that decision.
Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc - Photo Source: Cruncyroll
Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc - Photo Source: Cruncyroll /
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Let's slice and dice into the whirlwind world of Demon Slayer, the anime series that's been slicing its way through everyone's watchlist faster than you can say "katana". This show isn't about slicing bread, no sir.

It's about slicing demons, and let me tell you, it's a whole loaf of action, emotion, and jaw-dropping visuals that'll make your rice balls drop.

Imagine a world where demons roam the night, and the only thing standing between them and an all-you-can-eat human buffet is a bunch of sword-wielding heroes called Demon Slayers. Enter our hero, Tanjiro Kamado, a boy with the world's kindest heart and a forehead to match. After coming home to find his family turned into a demon snack pack, with the exception of his sister, Nezuko, who's now a demon herself (but the cute kind, if that's a thing?), he sets off on a quest to turn her back into a human and avenge his family.

And that's all well and good, but is Demon Slayer the right anime for your family? Or will you want to avenge them once they start crying in horror?

Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc - Photo Credits: Ufotable
Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc - Photo Credits: Ufotable /

Demon Slayer Parents Guide: Explaining The TV-14 Age Rating

If the title isn't a subtle hint at what the anime is all about, Tanjiro and other Demon Slayers spend their time hunting and killing demons. Though this is an anime series, don't let the "anime is for children" shenanigans blind you from the fact that this is actually not for young kids in the slightest.

Sex & Nudity: Zenitsu hilariously screaming Nezuko-chaaaan after Nezuko, his "bride-to-be" in his own little world, aside the show is pretty tame on the sex and nudity front. The demons haven't got time for romance; they're too busy being vanquished.

Violence: Oh boy, where do I start? There's more slicing and dicing than a teppanyaki chef on a Saturday night. Demons and slayers don't exactly solve their differences over a game of rock-paper-scissors. It's graphic, it's intense, but, hey, it's all in the name of justice and brotherly love.

Frightening & Intense Scenes: "Intense" is the middle name here. Emotional rollercoasters, close-up demon battles, and scenes that might just make you wanna hug your sibling a little tighter (or keep a wary eye on them if they start acting strange under a full moon). This show is heavily emotional. It has made this middle-aged woman cry on countless occasions.

Language: Compared to the demon slicing, the language is pretty mild. But don't be surprised if a "damn" or "hell" flies out during the heat of battle.

Drinking & Drugs: Demons don't have time for vices when they're getting slaughtered, and the ones doing the slaughtering are too busy being awesome to meddle with such things.

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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc. Image courtesy Crunchyroll /

Overall Verdict: What Age Is Demon Slayer Appropriate For?

Amidst all the demon-slaying shenanigans, at its heart, Demon Slayer is a story about family, love, and the lengths we go to protect the ones we cherish. Plus, a hefty dose of "never give up," even when faced with a demon who's got more arms than you've got clean socks.

Demon Slayer is also a visually stunning, emotionally charged rollercoaster that's as much about slicing demons as it is about slicing onions (because, boy, will it make you tear up). But, dear guardians of the remote, this ain't your toddler's Saturday morning cartoon. It's got enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat and enough heart to make you fall off it.

Yes, my 7-year-old twin girls love the show and have seen the majority of it (except for a few scenes that I refuse to let them watch until they're older because of the combination of the violence and their intensity). These are the same little girls who watched The Lord of the Rings when they were 4 and were never scared. My ultimate advice is: you know your children best. Sit and watch the first few episodes and see if this is something your kiddos would be able to handle first.

If your little ones are still in the phase where the monster under the bed is a legit concern, maybe save this adventure for when they're a bit older. For the rest of you, grab your favorite snack, and let Tanjiro and the gang take you on a journey that's guaranteed to be anything but dull.

Just maybe don't watch it right before bed, unless you're into dreaming about epic sword fights.

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