Should You Let Your Kids Watch ‘Love Island USA’? Experts Weigh In

“Love Island USA” is taking over the internet once again this summer, set against the backdrop of its staple luxury villa in Fiji.

In homes around the world, viewers are tuning in to watch the islanders stir up drama, test their relationships and compete in messy challenges — often involving make outs and some form of paint or condiment. But even with all the buzz, should you let your teen watch?

Kier Gaines, licensed therapist and social media parenting expert, weighs in on the June 23 show of TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle. Polly Conway, senior TV editor at Common Sense Media, which provides age-based media reviews for families, also shares guidance with TODAY.com.

Here’s what parents should consider, according to experts.

(“Love Island USA” streams on Peacock, which is owned by NBCUniversal, TODAY’s parent company.)

What to Know About the Content

Common Sense Media currently rates Love Island USA for ages 15 and up for the sex, cursing and drinking portrayed in the show, per its website. For younger teens especially, the show’s sexual content and complex relationship dynamics may be too much, Conway says.

For older teens, the key question is whether they’re mature enough to “know that it’s just entertainment,” and “has very little to do with real love and relationships,” she says.

It’s important that teens can identify what portrayals of healthy relationships and real love do and don’t look like in the media, Conway says, and “Love Island USA” can blur those lines.

The show may also contribute to unrealistic ideas around body image, Conway adds, especially because the islanders are typically portrayed in swimsuits.

Consider Maturity, Not Just Age

While many parents look for a clear-cut guide on when their kid should be allowed to start consuming certain content, it’s not always that straightforward, Gaines tells Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones.

“You have to level set and you have to know your kid,” he says. “Readiness is not commensurate with age. You have 12 year olds who are more ready for mature conversations, you have 15 year olds who are less ready.”

Much of that readiness comes down to the culture in your home, he adds, and how open you are as a parent about mature topics. He suggests asking yourself questions: Do you talk about these issues with your child openly? Are you, as a parent, comfortable with discussing mature subjects?

Conway agrees that there is no one-size-fits-all answer: “Every teen is different,” she says.

They Might Be Watching Anyway — What to Do Next

Whether a parent likes it or not, “Love Island USA” might be one of those shows where teens are watching without parental permission, Conway says, especially due to its popularity on social media.

“Once you enter into the teen years, parents do lose a bit of control, but that definitely opens up the opportunity for conversation,” she adds.

Gaines says those conversations are easiest when they’re initiated in real-time. Typically, that means trying to watch the show together.

But, he acknowledges that’s not always realistic for every family — or every show. Sometimes, “It’s just crazy uncomfortable,” he admits.

Still, that discomfort can be productive. Rather than avoiding a difficult conversation, Gaines suggests using the opportunity as a potential starting point for open dialogue. “It’s more of a gateway than an enemy.”