We’re living in an era of "Ohio" memes and Skibidi Toilet—content that is often high-stimulation but low-nutrition. Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate a weird meme as much as the next person, but as parents, we're all looking for that "bridge" content. You know, the stuff that transitions them from mindless scrolling to actually engaging with a story.

Star Trek has always been about "competence porn." It’s about people who are really good at their jobs working together to solve problems that can't be fixed with just a phaser blast. In a world where digital literacy is basically a survival skill, Trek models critical thinking, diplomacy, and the idea that the "alien" isn't something to fear, but something to understand. It’s the ultimate antidote to the "us vs. them" mentality that dominates a lot of modern social media.

Ages 6-12 Originally on Nickelodeon and now on Netflix, this is where you start. It follows a group of alien kids who find an abandoned Starfleet ship. They don't know the rules, they don't know the "Prime Directive," and they learn alongside your kids. It features a hologram version of Captain Janeway (from Star Trek: Voyager) who acts as their mentor. It’s visually stunning and handles heavy themes like forced labor and identity in a way that’s totally accessible.

Ages 5-10 These are very short, animated episodes. If your kid is currently stuck in a YouTube loop, this is a great way to pivot their algorithm toward something a bit more intentional. They are bright, funny, and introduce the basic concepts of exploration and teamwork without a 22-minute commitment.

Ages 10+ This is the show for parents who remember Star Trek: The Next Generation. It’s episodic, meaning you can usually watch one episode and get a complete story. It’s fun, it’s funny (there’s literally a musical episode and a Lower Decks crossover), and it deals with ethical dilemmas that make for great car-ride conversations the next morning.

Ages 13+ This is an animated comedy. Think Rick and Morty but with a much bigger heart and way less nihilism. It focuses on the "lower deckers"—the ensigns who have to clean the holodeck filters and do the grunt work. It’s fast-paced and full of inside jokes for Trek fans, but the humor is definitely geared toward teens and adults. There’s some cartoon violence and "bleeped" profanity, so maybe screen an episode before letting your middle-schooler loose on it.

Ask our chatbot for a curated Star Trek watch list based on your kids' ages

The next big thing in the Trek universe is Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. It’s currently in production and is being billed as a "YA" (Young Adult) take on the franchise. Think Harry Potter or Wednesday but in space. It will follow a group of cadets navigating their first year at the academy under the leadership of Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti.

For parents, this is one to watch. It’s likely going to deal with "coming of age" themes—friendships, academic pressure, and finding your place in the world. It’s the perfect show to bridge the gap if your teen thinks Star Trek is just "that old show my parents like."

When kids get into a show, they inevitably want to play the game. In the Star Trek world, you’ll mostly find mobile titles like Star Trek Fleet Command or Star Trek Timelines.

The No-BS Take: These games are heavily monetized. Fleet Command in particular can feel like a part-time job that constantly asks for your credit card to speed up building times. If your kid wants to dive into Trek gaming, I’d actually point them toward Star Trek: Resurgence, which is a narrative-driven game for consoles/PC that feels like playing through a lost season of The Next Generation. No microtransactions, just choices that matter.

Learn more about how "free to play" games like Star Trek Fleet Command make money

While the newer "Trek" is generally great, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Here’s the breakdown:

The best thing about Star Trek is the "The Moral of the Story" aspect. After an episode of Strange New Worlds, you can ask:

This is how you move from "passive consumption" to "active engagement." It’s the core of digital wellness—using media as a tool for connection rather than just a way to kill time.

Star Trek is one of the few franchises left that actually believes the future might be... okay? In a sea of dystopian "the world is ending" teen dramas, that optimism is a breath of fresh air.

If you’re tired of the Roblox bank account drain or the "Ohio" memes, try an episode of Star Trek: Prodigy. It might not replace their love for Minecraft or MrBeast, but it gives them a different vision of what the future—and their digital lives—could look like.

Check out our guide to the best sci-fi shows for families