Hank Green – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Hank Green

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

YouTube2009

82%

WISE Score

2.8M

Subscribers

Science communicator extraordinaire who makes curiosity contagious—think Bill Nye for the YouTube generation.

Hank Green

YouTube

2009

82%

WISE Score

2.8M

Subscribers

Science communicator extraordinaire who makes curiosity contagious—think Bill Nye for the YouTube generation.

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2.8M

Screenwise Verdict

Hank Green is one of the genuinely good guys on YouTube—a science communicator who's been making quality educational content since 2009 without selling out or chasing toxic trends. His enthusiasm is infectious, his explanations are clear, and he models the kind of curiosity we want kids to have.

That said, this isn't a kids' channel in the Blippi sense. It's thoughtful, sometimes complex content that assumes a certain level of scientific literacy and maturity. Perfect for the 10-14 crowd who are ready to level up from pure kids' content, and honestly great for adults too.

The real caution here isn't Hank—it's YouTube itself. Even starting with wholesome educational content, the algorithm has a way of pulling viewers toward increasingly chaotic stuff. Watch with your kids or use it as designated viewing rather than free browsing.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-99. Younger kids (7-9) might enjoy some videos but will miss nuance. This is really where curious middle schoolers, teens, and adults who never stopped loving learning will thrive.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Hank Green's main channel features positive, enthusiastic content about science, life, and curiosity. His tone is consistently kind, self-aware, and models healthy communication. He's a parent himself and clearly thinks about appropriate content. No toxicity, no mean-spirited humor, and a genuine warmth that comes through in his videos.

Imaginative

This is where Hank shines—he makes science, ecology, and random curiosities deeply engaging. From explaining tardigrades to discussing climate change to sharing thoughts on life and creativity, he invites viewers to think differently about the world. His videos spark questions and wonder, which is the heart of imagination.

Safe

Generally very safe—no gore, nudity, or inappropriate content. Occasional mild language (search results mention 'some bad words' in Crash Course content). Comments are enabled, which is standard for educational YouTube but does introduce some risk. The bigger concern is that this is YouTube, and the algorithm can quickly funnel kids toward less wholesome content after watching.

Enriching

Exceptionally enriching. Hank Green is a science communicator, author, and entrepreneur who makes complex topics accessible and exciting. His content builds scientific literacy, critical thinking, and genuine curiosity about the world. With 1.3 billion views across 1,133 videos, he's been consistently delivering educational value since 2009.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Hank makes science genuinely exciting and accessible, from ecology to microbiology to the weird corners of the internet
Consistently positive, enthusiastic tone that models healthy curiosity and lifelong learning
He's a parent himself and clearly thinks about what's appropriate—no shock value or clickbait
2.8M subscribers and 1.3B views speak to sustained quality over 15+ years
Great bridge content for kids transitioning from pure kids' shows to more sophisticated educational media

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What to Watch For

Occasional mild language (nothing severe, but not pristine either)
Some topics may be too complex for younger elementary kids—this is middle school+ territory
YouTube's algorithm is the real concern here—even wholesome channels can lead to questionable recommendations
Comments are enabled, so standard YouTube comment section warnings apply

Conversation Starters

"What was the most surprising thing Hank talked about in that video?"
"If you could ask Hank to explain anything in the world, what would it be?"
"Do you think you'd want to be a science communicator like Hank when you're older? What would you teach people about?"
"Hank mentioned [specific topic]—have you learned about that in school? What do you already know?"

Deep Dive

Hank Green is the ultimate survivor of the YouTube ecosystem. While other creators who started in 2009 have either burned out, pivoted to high-stakes gambling content, or disappeared into the "where are they now" bin, Hank has managed to stay relevant by being the internet’s most reliable source of wonder. He doesn't rely on expensive stunts or screaming at the camera. Instead, he treats his audience like they’re just as smart as he is, which is the highest compliment you can pay a middle schooler.

The "Anti-Influencer" Vibe

If your kid is currently deep in a cycle of "brain rot" memes or hyper-edited prank videos, Hank Green is the perfect circuit breaker. He is one of the best examples of YouTube channels without the toxic masculinity that dominates the platform. He isn't trying to sell a lifestyle of wealth or dominance. He’s selling the idea that being curious about the world is the coolest thing you can be.

His content works because it’s fast. He understands the TikTok-era attention span but fills those seconds with actual substance. Whether he’s explaining why a specific bug looks like a leaf or how a new piece of tech might change the world, he maintains a level of infectious enthusiasm that never feels forced. It’s a specific brand of "nerd joy" that gives kids permission to care deeply about things.

Navigating the Bias

You might see some reviews or comments mentioning "bias" in his work. It’s worth noting that Hank doesn’t pretend to be a neutral, robotic textbook. He has opinions on climate change, healthcare, and how the internet should work. For a parent, this is actually a feature, not a bug. It provides a great opening to talk about navigating news with kids and how to identify a creator's perspective. He isn't pushing misinformation; he’s presenting science through the lens of someone who wants the planet to stay habitable.

Where the Friction Is

The main hurdle isn't the content—it's the vocabulary. Hank speaks quickly and assumes a certain level of baseline knowledge. If your kid is 8 or 9, they might enjoy the energy, but the actual mechanics of a microbiology lesson might fly over their heads.

There’s also the "Dear Hank and John" factor. If your kid moves from his YouTube channel to his podcast, keep in mind that the podcast is aimed at a slightly more mature audience. It’s rarely inappropriate, but the topics (existential dread, tax advice, death) are definitely more "adult-lite."

If Your Kid Liked Mark Rober or Bill Nye

Hank is the natural next step for the kid who grew up on Mark Rober’s glitter bombs or Bill Nye’s classroom videos. He’s the bridge between "science is a cool trick" and "science is a way of understanding everything."

The best way to use this channel isn't just as a passive babysitter. Because he covers such a wide range of topics—from the deeply serious to the incredibly silly—he’s a goldmine for "did you know?" dinner conversations. If you see them watching, ask what the weirdest fact of the day was. Chances are, you’ll actually want to know the answer.