Is the language really that bad?

Yes. It's a documentary about a rapper and his crew; the F-word is used like a comma. If you're sensitive to profanity, you'll be reaching for the remote every thirty seconds.

Does it show actual drug use?

It doesn't glamorize it, but it discusses it heavily in the context of Juice WRLD's death. You'll see the culture surrounding the music industry, which includes references to pills and 'lean,' but it's framed more as a tragedy than a party.

Is it boring for people who aren't fans?

Surprisingly, no. It's paced well and functions more as a 'coming of age' story than a concert film. Even if you don't like the music, the human story of a 17-year-old handling that much pressure is compelling.

Can I watch this with my 12-year-old?

Technically you can, but you'll be doing a lot of explaining. Between the heavy language and the mature discussions of addiction and death, it's really intended for a more mature audience.

Kids Are Growing Up: A Story About a Kid Named Laroi – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Kids Are Growing Up: A Story About a Kid Named Laroi

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2024

64%

WISE Score

A raw, unfiltered look at the meteoric rise of Australia's biggest music export and the heavy toll of growing up in the spotlight.

Kids Are Growing Up: A Story About a Kid Named Laroi

movie

R, 2024

64%

WISE Score

A raw, unfiltered look at the meteoric rise of Australia's biggest music export and the heavy toll of growing up in the spotlight.

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Screenwise Verdict

If your teen is blasting 'Stay' or 'Without You,' they've likely already seen clips of this on TikTok. It’s a well-made, surprisingly poignant documentary that avoids the usual 'everything is awesome' PR trap of celebrity docs.

It’s not 'wholesome' in the traditional sense—the language is salty and the themes are heavy—but it’s an honest look at a kid trying to keep his head above water while the world watches. For parents, it’s a great entry point into a conversation about the reality of the influencers and artists your kids admire.

Age Fit

This is firmly for the 14+ crowd. Younger fans of his music might want to see it, but the mature themes and language make it a better fit for high schoolers who can handle the heavier discussions about loss and the music industry's darker side.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's a vulnerable look at a young man navigating sudden fame and loss. While it's not 'clean'—there is plenty of language and some party-lifestyle context—it models emotional honesty and the value of mentorship.

Imaginative

As a documentary, it's grounded in reality, but it effectively captures the creative spark of a kid making music in his bedroom and turning it into a global sound.

Safe

Common Sense Media puts this at 17+, largely due to heavy language and the frank discussion of drug-related tragedy (specifically the death of Juice WRLD). It's safe for older teens, but it's not a 'family movie night' pick for the middle-school crowd.

Enriching

It offers a profound look at grief, the reality of the music industry machine, and the psychological toll of becoming a global commodity before you can legally drink.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Emotional depth that goes beyond the standard 'pop star' puff piece, focusing heavily on Laroi's relationship with his late mentor, Juice WRLD.
Creative inspiration for kids interested in music production, showing the transition from DIY recordings to professional studios.
Mental health focus that doesn't feel performative; it actually digs into the anxiety and isolation of sudden stardom.
High production value that captures the kinetic energy of live performances and the quiet, lonely moments in between.

⚠

What to Watch For

The language is constant. If your household has a hard 'no' on the F-word, this is a non-starter.
The death of Juice WRLD is a central theme. The documentary discusses his overdose and the trauma it left on Laroi, which can be heavy for kids who aren't prepared for it.
Expect standard 'music industry' imagery: parties, late nights, and a general proximity to substance use, even if Laroi isn't the one partaking on screen.

Conversation Starters

"How do you think being famous at 17 changes the way you see your friends and family?"
"Why do you think Laroi felt so much pressure even after he became successful?"
"What did the documentary show about the difference between a 'public' life and a 'real' life?"
"How did Juice WRLD's mentorship impact the way Laroi handled his own career?"

Deep Dive

The Reality of the 'Dream'

Most music documentaries are either ego-trips or sanitized marketing assets. Kids Are Growing Up manages to be something slightly different: a time capsule of a teenager being swallowed by a global machine. Directed by Michael D. Ratner, the film follows Charlton Howard (The Kid Laroi) as he navigates the surreal gap between being a kid from Sydney and a Billboard chart-topper.

What makes this worth the watch—even if you aren't a fan of his music—is the focus on Juice WRLD. The mentorship between the two was genuine, and the film doesn't shy away from the devastating impact of Juice's death. It serves as a stark reminder that the 'rockstar lifestyle' has a body count, and the film captures Laroi's grief with a level of intimacy that's actually quite moving.

For a generation that sees 'fame' as a career path via social media, this is a necessary reality check. It shows the grueling schedule, the loss of privacy, and the intense anxiety that comes when your entire identity is tied to your latest stream count. It's a story about growth, sure, but it's also a story about the cost of entry into the 1%.

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