Inspiring docu has some language, sexual violence mentions.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
a little
Violence in this show relates to the sexual abuse that hundreds of women in the gymnastics community experienced at the hands of a doctor who abused many of the athletes while they were members of the U.S. gymnastics team. This abuse profoundly affected the athletes, including Simone Biles. Other examples of mistreatment of young female athletes in the gymnastics community are also explored.
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Keep moving toward your goals. Don't let other people get you down. Know yourself. Take care of yourself at all costs and prioritize your well-being. Stand up for what's right. Don't do things that make you feel uncomfortable. Surround yourself with supportive people. Check in with your feelings; listen to your intuition. Don't be afraid to follow your dreams. Strength comes from within.
Diverse Representations
a lot
Simone Biles is a Black woman who has led the U.S. to gymnastics victories previously unheard of. Other Black women who competed in the Olympics for the U.S. team are also featured, and they discuss the barriers they had to break through regarding the public's prejudices about beauty and ability. Biles talks about the "Black girl magic" she felt when three Black women stood on the podium at the Gymnastics World Championships for the first time. Women are portrayed as strong, loyal, accomplished, and able in this show.
Emotional well-being gets priority in this show, especially as an athlete-turned-celebrity faces the venom of a social media age. The empowered person who comes through her trials is a great model of perseverance and courage.
Positive Role Models
some
Simone Biles is a female athlete who's broken records for all genders of competitors. She has more gymnastics moves named after her than anyone else. Yet, even at her peak, she is human, and knows when she needs to take care of herself. Her husband, Jonathan Owens, a professional football player, is supportive and kind, taking care of her and helping her to feel at home in the world. Simone Biles' mother is a constant source of support and comfort for her, encouraging her to take care of herself at all costs.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Simone Biles Rising is a docuseries about a legendary gymnast whose achievements have been overshadowed by her decision to walk away from Olympic competition in 2020. Themes include issues of abuse, sexual violence, social pressure, racism, depression, and regaining a positive attitude after a failed attempt at a goal. Perseverance and courage take center stage as character strengths in this docuseries. Language includes "s--t," "hell," "Jesus," and a couple of F-bombs.
LOVED THIS!!! I watched this with my 11 year old daughter and we both enjoyed it. It does mention the abuse scandal, but if your child is mature then go ahead! My daughter is a competitive level 9 gymnast, and she loves simone and aspires to be like her. Lots of positive role models! Must watch!!! (Do not reccomend for under 9 years.)
Katherine R.Parent of 12, 14, 18+, 18+, 18+ and 5-year-old
September 22, 2024
age 10+
What's the Story?
SIMONE BILES RISING is a docuseries about Simone Biles, arguably the greatest gymnast of all time. Some journalists have called Biles the most dominant athlete in the world. But in 2020, during the Tokyo Olympics, Biles pulled out of the real-time competition citing concerns about her mental state. The world, deep in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, was watching, and reactions to her decision were mixed. Now, with another Olympic competition on the horizon, Biles has plenty of experience and some new insights about health, competition, and success.
By turns exciting and heart-wrenching, this short docuseries about a gymnastics legend leaves no stone unturned. A competitor whose greatness has no match, Simone Biles' life and career have been under scrutiny for years. Biles' quest for personal balance has opened up many conversations about mental health, being part of a team, and the pressure to perform.
In this series, Biles eventually finds a grounded spiritual center after being torn apart by media pundits for her decision to prioritize her mental well-being. Simone Biles Rising is an intimate portrait of an athlete at the peak of her abilities, and is filled with talking points for families.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about communication in Simone Biles Rising. How has communicating with media outlets and social media platforms helped Simone Biles? How has she been harmed by communication from others?
Simone Biles and fellow gymnasts speak up about the abuse they experienced as members of the Women's U.S. Olympics gymnastics team. How has their courage helped others?
There's no denying that Simone Biles and her teammates work very hard to be at the highest level of their sport. How has perseverance paid off in your life?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
