TL;DR: Romance in kids' media has shifted from "happily ever after" to complex "character arcs" and "shipping." While some parents worry about premature exposure, the current trend is actually toward nomance—stories where friendship and personal growth take center stage over dating.
Quick Recommendations:
- Best for Elementary (Ages 7-10): The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (platonic love), Bluey (healthy marriage modeling), The Bad Guys.
- Best for Tweens (Ages 11-13): The Owl House (healthy LGBTQ+ representation), Percy Jackson (slow-burn friendship), Avatar: The Last Airbender.
- Best for Teens (Ages 14+): Heartstopper (wholesome romance), Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (complex chemistry).
If you’ve heard your kid say they "ship" two characters, they aren't talking about logistics or Amazon Prime. Shipping (short for relationship) is the act of rooting for two characters to be together. It is the lifeblood of modern fandom.
For kids, shipping is a low-stakes way to explore emotional dynamics. They aren't necessarily thinking about the physical side of a relationship; they’re interested in the chemistry, the "will-they-won't-they" tension, and the idea of two people truly "getting" each other.
In the world of Roblox roleplay or Minecraft YouTube stories, shipping is everywhere. It’s why they get so invested in whether two blocky characters hold hands. It’s not "weird"—it’s just how they process the concept of partnership.
The Vocabulary You Need to Know:
- Canon: What actually happens in the show/book. If the characters date on screen, it’s "canon."
- Fanon: What the fans wish would happen.
- OTP: "One True Pairing." Your kid’s absolute favorite couple.
- Endgame: The couple they believe will (or should) be together when the series ends.
Here’s a plot twist: many of the most popular shows and movies right now are ditching romance entirely. We call this nomance.
Think about Moana. There is no prince. There is no love interest. The entire emotional core is about her identity and her relationship with her ancestors and her community. The same goes for The Wild Robot by Peter Brown—a story about a robot and a gosling that will make you sob, but contains zero dating.
Kids are increasingly drawn to stories where the "big win" isn't a kiss, but a restored friendship or a saved world. This is a huge win for parents who want to delay the "dating" mindset. It allows kids to value platonic bonds as being just as significant as romantic ones.
Check out our guide on the best "Nomance" movies for family night
Elementary School (Ages 6-10)
At this age, romance should be "background noise" or modeled through healthy adult relationships.
- Bandit and Chilli are the gold standard. They flirt, they support each other, and they handle conflict with humor. It’s the best "romance" a young kid can see because it’s grounded in reality.
- There’s some light flirting and "crush" energy between Wolf and Diane Foxington, but it’s mostly about mutual respect and being "cool."
- An epic graphic novel series where the stakes are high, but the focus stays firmly on family and bravery, not dating.
Middle School (Ages 11-13)
This is the "Shipping" sweet spot. They want emotional stakes but usually aren't ready for the heavy stuff.
- This show handles the "Luz and Amity" relationship beautifully. It’s awkward, sweet, and focuses on how being with the right person makes you a better version of yourself. It’s also a great way to introduce LGBTQ+ themes in media in a way that feels organic.
- Rick Riordan is the master of the "slow burn." Percy and Annabeth start as rivals, become best friends, and eventually—over several books—something more. It’s the perfect model for building a relationship on a foundation of trust.
- The "Katara/Aang/Zuko" shipping wars have lasted for 20 years for a reason. It deals with unrequited crushes and the "friend zone" with actual maturity.
High School (Ages 14+)
Teenagers are looking for more "real" emotional complexity.
- Based on the Heartstopper graphic novels, this is arguably the most wholesome teen romance ever made. It deals with coming out, mental health, and boundaries without being "gritty" for the sake of being gritty.
- The tension between Miles and Gwen is palpable, but it’s complicated by their different worlds and responsibilities. It’s "shipping" fodder at its finest.
Not all romance in kids' media is "healthy." Some tropes are just plain toxic, and it’s worth pointing them out when you see them.
- "I Can Fix Him": This is the classic "good girl falls for the bad boy and his personality magically changes" trope. It’s common in older YA books and some Gacha Life stories on YouTube. It's a bad blueprint for real life.
- Jealousy as Love: If a character is controlling or "possessive" and the show frames it as romantic, that’s a red flag.
- The "Love Triangle" Obsession: While common in things like The Summer I Turned Pretty, it can sometimes teach kids that drama is a requirement for a relationship to be "exciting."
Learn more about identifying toxic relationship tropes in teen TV
When your kid is obsessed with a "ship," don't roll your eyes. Ask questions. It’s a backdoor into their emotional world.
- Instead of: "Why do you care if those two cartoons date?"
- Try: "What makes them a good match? Do they actually support each other, or are they just both 'main characters'?"
- Instead of: "That show is so dramatic."
- Try: "I noticed [Character A] got really jealous when [Character B] talked to someone else. Do you think that’s a healthy way to act in a friendship?"
If they start using slang like "It's giving Ohio" (meaning it’s weird/cringe) about a romantic scene, lean into it. Acknowledge that some media romance is cringe. It shows you're paying attention to the same things they are.
Romance in media isn't something to fear; it’s a training ground. Whether they are obsessed with The Owl House or they prefer the "nomance" vibes of Minecraft survival videos, they are learning what it looks like to connect with another person.
Your job isn't to block every crush-related storyline, but to help them curate a "media diet" that includes healthy models of respect, boundaries, and—most importantly—great friendships.
- Audit the "Ship": Ask your kid who their "OTP" is right now. Search for that show on Screenwise to see the age rating.
- Go "Nomance" for a week: Try a movie night with Moana or The Mitchells vs. the Machines to celebrate platonic/family love.
- Check the Wise Score: Use the Screenwise search to see how specific shows rank for "Positive Messages" and "Social-Emotional Learning."
Ask our chatbot about the best romance-free shows for your 10-year-old