Is NewJeans' music appropriate for younger kids?

Generally, yes. Their lyrics focus on friendship, first crushes, and growing up. Unlike many Western pop stars, they avoid explicit language and overt sexual references in their songs.

What is the 'Phoning' app mentioned in their videos?

It's a dedicated app for NewJeans fans that mimics a phone interface, allowing fans to 'receive' calls, messages, and photos from the members. It's designed to create a very close, parasocial relationship and often requires a subscription for full access.

Why is there so much controversy about their age?

The K-pop industry often debuts performers in their early teens. Critics argue this exposes children to extreme work schedules and adult pressures before they are emotionally ready. NewJeans is often the face of this debate because of their massive success at such young ages.

Are the YouTube comments safe for my child?

The channel is moderated, but K-pop fandoms can be intense. 'Fan wars' and toxic comparisons between groups are common in the comments. It’s better to watch on a platform like YouTube Kids if you want to avoid the comment section entirely.

NewJeans – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

NewJeans

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

YouTube2022

79%

WISE Score

8.2M

Subscribers

The Y2K-coded K-pop juggernaut that's taking over your kid's playlist—and probably their wardrobe.

NewJeans

YouTube

2022

79%

WISE Score

8.2M

Subscribers

The Y2K-coded K-pop juggernaut that's taking over your kid's playlist—and probably their wardrobe.

Jump to

Also rated on

8.2M

Screenwise Verdict

NewJeans is the coolest thing in pop right now, period. They’ve ditched the heavy makeup and girl-crush tropes for a breezy, high-fashion-meets-high-school vibe that is incredibly magnetic. It's the kind of media that is 'safe' in a vacuum but exists in a very loud, very addictive ecosystem.

If your kid is diving into the rabbit hole, you're looking at a world of high-speed dance practices and 'unboxing' videos. It’s mostly harmless, but the commercial engine behind it is designed to turn fans into 'Bunnies'—their official fandom name—who buy every version of every album. It’s great art, just keep an eye on the wallet and the screen time.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9 and up. While the music is safe for everyone, the 'stan culture' and social media rabbit holes are better handled by kids who have a bit more digital maturity.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The group models a strong sense of friendship and genuine camaraderie. Their content avoids the hyper-aggressive or dark concepts often found in pop music, opting instead for a bright, nostalgic, and generally positive vibe.

Imaginative

Their visual identity is a masterclass in Y2K retro-futurism. From the choreography to the art direction of their music videos, it encourages a high level of creative appreciation and DIY fashion inspiration.

Safe

While the content itself is clean (no gore, drugs, or explicit language), it is hosted on YouTube where comments are active. There is also the broader context of the K-pop industry's pressure on minors, which is a necessary conversation for parents.

Enriching

High-quality performance art and dance. It offers a window into global pop culture and Korean language/customs, though it remains primarily commercial entertainment.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Visual Storytelling that actually feels fresh and artistic compared to the generic pop machine.
Positive Group Dynamics that show the members supporting each other rather than competing for the spotlight.
Cultural Bridge that gets kids interested in Korean language, food, and history beyond just the music.
Innocent Aesthetic that leans into 'teenager' vibes rather than trying to look like 25-year-olds.

⚠

What to Watch For

The Phoning app is a direct line to the group that can feel a bit too 'always-on' for younger fans.
Industry debates about the age of the members (some debuted at 14) are worth discussing regarding child labor and fame.
YouTube's algorithm will quickly pivot from NewJeans to more intense K-pop fan wars or gossip channels if not monitored.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think their style looks so much like the early 2000s even though they weren't born then?"
"How do you think being famous at 15 changes how someone grows up?"
"What's the difference between liking a group's music and feeling like you 'know' them through these vlogs?"
"If you were in a group like this, what would be the hardest part of having cameras around all the time?"

Deep Dive

The New Standard of K-Pop

When NewJeans debuted in 2022, they didn't just release a song; they shifted the entire K-pop landscape. Moving away from the over-produced, maximalist sound that dominated the late 2010s, they brought in a minimalist R&B sound that feels like a lost Janet Jackson tape. For a parent, this is a win: the music is genuinely good and doesn't rely on shock value or aggressive imagery.

The 'Minors' Conversation

You can't talk about NewJeans without talking about their ages. The youngest member, Hyein, was only 14 at debut. This has sparked significant debate about the ethics of the industry. On the YouTube channel, you see the 'ZINE' series where they do normal teen activities—cooking, playing games, shooting bows—but the polish is so high it’s easy to forget this is a billion-dollar corporate product.

Use it as a Creative Jump-off

Instead of just letting the videos loop, use the channel’s high production value to talk about art. Their videos for songs like 'Ditto' or 'OMG' are actual short films with complex themes about fandom and mental health. If your kid is into photography or filmmaking, there’s a lot to dissect here. It’s a step up from the low-effort content usually found on YouTube, but it requires an active parent to make sure the fandom doesn't become the kid's entire personality.