Is ASMR Appropriate For Kids?
By Movieguide® Contributor
ASMR has long been a popular form of content online, but is it appropriate for kids?
ASMR stands for “autonomous sensory meridian response” and is used to “describe a tingling, static-like, or goosebumps sensation in response to specific triggering audio or visual stimuli,” per Nebraska Medicine’s website.
“These sensations are said to spread across the skull or down the back of the neck and, for some, down the spine or limbs,” the group continued.” When experiencing ASMR sensations, some people “report pleasant feelings of relaxation, calm, sleepiness or well-being.”
Many people watch or listen to ASMR videos before going to sleep, but are they appropriate for children? Experts say it depends on the video.
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Parents.com reported that “plenty of ASMR content is safe for kids” but added that some videos have “sexual undertones,” featuring someone getting a massage, or the content creator whispering romantic dialogue.
Dr. Sharon Adusei, a licensed clinical psychologist and Clinical Strategy Manager at Modern Health, urged parents to vet the videos themselves before letting their kids view them.
“Engage with your child to better understand why they like ASMR content, which gives you an insight into their underlying social-emotional needs,” she added. “Watch the ASMR videos your child is most interested in so you can get a feel for the content.”
Kids do love ASMR content — Lucy Murphy, the director of content at kids’ network Sky Kids, told KidScreen, “Kids naturally explore their worlds in a very multi-sensory way, and ASMR is an extension of that sensory-led play. The guiding principle was learning through active curiosity, and we recognized visual and audio ASMR as a key trend that could help craft ‘lean-in’ moments as part of a sensory journey.”
While ASMR content can be a helpful tool when trying to soothe your child or help them settle down before bedtime, it’s important not to rely on them too heavily. Cailin Slavens, a child, family and perinatal psychologist, cautioned parents against becoming too reliant on the videos.
“If kids lean on ASMR videos as quick fixes for every little stressor, it could get in the way of learning other coping skills,” she explained, adding that parents should prioritize teaching children how to manage their emotions without using the videos as a crutch.
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