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__NOTOC__
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<div style="width:650px;text-align:center;margin-bottom:30px;margin-top:50px;margin-left:25px;font-size:50px;text-transform:lowercase;font-weight:bold;font-style:italic;font-family:Adelle,Cambria,'Book Antigua','Calisto MT','Lucida Bright',serif;line-height:140%;color:#444444">We're for the whole family<br> <span style=color:#b0b0b0;font-family:anton;text-transform:uppercase;font-style:normal;font-size:100px>Not just kids</span></div>
<div style="text-align:center;margin-bottom:30px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:25px;font-size:50px;text-transform:lowercase;font-weight:bold;font-style:italic;font-family:Adelle,Cambria,'Book Antigua','Calisto MT','Lucida Bright',serif;line-height:140%;color:#444444">
<div style="width:650px;margin-left:25px;margin-right:25px;line-height:150px;font-family:'Roboto Slab';text-align:center;font-size:18px;">
We're for the whole family<br> <span style=color:#b0b0b0;font-family:raleway;text-transform:uppercase;font-style:normal;font-weight:bold;font-size:80px>Not just kids</span></div>
<div style="margin-left:25px;margin-right:25px;line-height:150%;font-family:'Rubik';text-align:center;font-size:18px;">
''[[Doctor Who]]'' is a family programme. It's not kids' television.  People of all ages watch it. That means some stories are for kids — but some aren't. (We're lookin' at you, ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''.)  
''[[Doctor Who]]'' is a family programme. It's not kids' television.  People of all ages watch it. That means some stories are for kids — but some aren't. (We're lookin' at you, ''[[Torchwood (TV series)|Torchwood]]''.)  


Because we aim to cover the ''whole'' of the [[DWU|''Doctor Who'' universe (DWU)]], '''we do not censor our content on this site'''.  
You should be aware that DWU characters have had every kind of [[sex]] imaginable.  And they regularly die violent deaths — sometimes while chewin' [[tobacco]], drinkin' [[whiskey]] and/or droppin' some [[LSD|acid]], man. As a parent, you should remember that ''Doctor Who'' is a [[time travel]] show.  That means it regularly depicts things we '''''now''''' frown on, because they '''''used to be''''' commonplace.  In the same way {{wi|Mad Men}} features offices thick with cigarette fog, you should expect that the Doctor will sometimes relish [[brandy]] with a [[17th century]] [[pirate]] — or even go window shopping for a [[bong]] at [[The Head Shop|a head shop]] in [[1967]] [[San Francisco]]. Also, because it's over 50 years old, ''Doctor Who'' is a bit of a [[the Doctor's TARDIS|TARDIS]] itself: some of its attitudes and conventions are ''of the time'' a particular episode was made.


DWU characters have had every kind of [[sex]] imaginableAnd they regularly die violent deaths — sometimes while chewin' [[tobacco]], drinkin' [[whiskey]] and/or smokin' a [[marijuana|joint]], man. As a parent, you should remember that ''Doctor Who'' is a [[time travel]] show.  That means it regularly depicts things we '''''now''''' frown on, because they '''''used to be''''' commonplaceIn the same way {{wi|Mad Men}} features offices thick with cigarette fog, you should expect that the Doctor will sometimes relish [[brandy]] with a [[17th century]] [[pirate]].
Furthermore, we host videos which showcase DWU actors in candid interviews or in other roles they've had in their careersSuch videos give valuable information about those actors — but they may include strong language. If an actor or crew member as worked on ''Doctor Who'', their '''entire''' career is fair game here — not just the kid-friendly bits.   


The only thing [[T:NOT SFW|we can promise parents]] is that we will ruthlessly root out any pornography, violent imagery, racial hatred, or other unsavoury things that are not a part of [[DWU]] stories.  Our motto is that if it ain't on the show, it ain't on this site. If you ever see any material on this site that's objectionable for children, but has nothing to do with the DWU, please contact one of our [[admin]]istrators immediately.
The only thing [[T:NOT SFW|we can promise parents]] is that we will ruthlessly root out any pornography, violent imagery, or racial hatred that has absolutely ''nothing'' to do with  [[DWU]] stories or the people involved in making them.  Our motto is that if it ain't on the show, it ain't on this site. If you ever see any objectionable material on this site has no connection to ''[[Doctor Who]]'' or its related shows '''whatsoever''', please contact one of our [[admin]]istrators immediately.
</div><div style=width:650px;margin-bottom:50px;margin-top:30px>[[File:TardisDataCoreRoadway.png|center]]</div>{{big toc}}
</div>
<div style="width:650px;margin-left:25px;margin-right:25px;line-height:130px;font-family:'Roboto Slab';text-align:left;font-size:18px;margin-top:50px">
<div style=max-width:650px;margin-bottom:50px;margin-top:30px>[[File:TardisDataCoreRoadway.png|center]]
= Breakdown by medium=
</div>
== Audio ==
{{big toc}}
There's lots of different audio out there, but none of it throws up any serious red flags to parents. Nothing made by [[Big Finish Productions]] or [[AudioGo]] contains swearing or overt sexuality or gory sound effects.
<div style="max-width:650px;margin-left:25px;margin-right:25px;line-height:130%;text-align:left;font-size:18px;margin-top:50px">
 
== Breakdown by medium==
Because it's audio, however, every listener has their own idea of what exactly is going on in a particular story.  It's difficult therefore to absolutely guarantee that your kid won't have issues with certain audios.
It's tempting to believe that the ''main'' part of ''Doctor Who'' is the television series, and anything in other media is just "that bit on the side"In fact, the ''Doctor Who'' franchise broadly consists of '''''five''''' main television programmes and then a variety of prose, comic, and audio formats that support these television shows. Stories in non-televised media far, far outnumber those on television — even though the franchise's parent programme started broadcast in 1963. If your kids get hooked on ''Doctor Who'' or one of the other shows in the franchise, they'll probably want to at least pick up a comic book or an audioSo it's important to be aware of concerns across all media.
 
If you're really worried, you could joint some other concerned parents at [http://forums.bigfinish.com/threads/494-The-Parent-s-Guide-to-Big-Finish-Doctor-Who The Parent's Guide to Big Finish Doctor Who], an active thread on the Big Finish forums.  It's dedicated to helping parents calculate the probability their younger kids will freak out listening to a particular audio in the car ride home.
 
== Comics ==
[[File:The World Shapers.JPG|thumb|left|This is about as graphic violence gets in ''Doctor Who'' comics]]
In the nearly 50 year history of [[Doctor Who comic stories]], almost none have been formally rated by any comics authority.  Of course, few, if any, are at all troubling for parents. ''Doctor Who'' comics are typically mild, with almost no hint of sexuality and little in the way of gory depictions of violenceLanguage in ''Doctor Who'' comics is very mild.
 
That said, modern ''Doctor Who'' comics are split into two basic '''reading levels''', if not '''content levels'''. If you're looking for comics that are easier for your younger child to read, you probably want to give the [[Doctor Who Adventures comic stories]] a try. [[Doctor Who Magazine comic stories]] and [[Doctor Who (IDW)|IDW stories]] are written to more of a teenage/young adult standard.
 
== Films ==
Two films were made in the mid-[[1960s]], both based on earlier television [[serial]]s.  These films pre-date film ratings systems, but they would likely be classed as having "mild fantasy violence" today. They are completely peripheral to this wiki's focus, though.
 
== Games ==
[[File:MInes of terror screenshot.jpg|thumb|left|Most ''Doctor Who'' games are pretty primitive]]
Video games haven't been a huge part of the [[DWU]] experience, but none have received anything greater than an ESRB "E for everyone" rating.  Most games, however, weren't written in the [[21st century]] and so weren't rated at all. But they were made in the [[1980s]] and [[1990s]], so their graphics weren't sophisticated enough to offend anyone. (Except embarrassed game designers.)
 
== Prose ==
=== Novels ===
''Doctor Who'' novels range the gamut from books for young readers to books for adults. Like comics, ''Doctor Who'' books are written to various reading standards.  [[Target novelisation]]s and [[New Series Adventures]] are typically for younger readers.  [[Quick Reads]] can also be enjoyed by kids who are under 12, but they're actually written for adults with literacy issues. '''''These books'' do ''not'' contain any significant areas for parental concern.'''
 
The tricky books for parents are those written from about [[1992 (releases)|1992]] to [[2004 (releases)|2004]] — that is, the period of time when ''Doctor Who'' was off the airIn particular the [[Virgin New Adventures]] line was interested in "pushing the envelope".  Although there is no formal book rating "system" out there, '''parents are advised to read these novels first''' before allowing children under the age of 15 read them. The same applies to [[:category:Torchwood novels|''Torchwood'' novels]]. '''''These books'' contain everything from significant swearing to illegal drug use to frank sexuality.'''


=== Short stories ===
The following guide serves to give a fairly complete overview of the DWU in all its forms.  We don't claim it's exhaustive, or that it will be fit for your particular parenting style. Obviously, we can't mention ''every'' detail of a franchise with as much material as this oneBut we believe this is a ''reasonable'' effort at pointing out areas of possible parental concern.   
Short stories are also written for different audiences. Those in [[Doctor Who annual|''Doctor Who'' annuals]] are definitely written with kids in mind, and parents are unlikely to find objectionable content there, other than simplistic plots.   
 
Those stories written for the [[Short Trips (series)|Short Trips]] and [[Decalog (series)|Decalog]] series are intended for older readers. It would be laborious in the extreme, however, to point out which of the individual stories offer which specific parental concernsIf you're worried about the short stories your child is reading, we recommend that you at least skim them for yourself.


== Television ==
=== Television ===
<div style=right-margin:50px>
<div style="float:left">
{{Parent Filter TV
{{Parent Filter TV
| title          = Torchwood
| title          = Torchwood
Line 64: Line 41:
| nudity          = Full nudity rare and brief, but there are definitely instances that would push a PG-13 rating, were it a film.   
| nudity          = Full nudity rare and brief, but there are definitely instances that would push a PG-13 rating, were it a film.   
| drugs          = None
| drugs          = None
| tobacco        = Very occasional use by a protagonist. Overall, though, tobacco ue is limited to guest stars.
| tobacco        = Very occasional use by a protagonist. Overall, though, tobacco use is limited to guest stars.
| alcohol        = Fairly frequent depictions of social drinking
| alcohol        = Fairly frequent depictions of social drinking
| crude          = Frequent sexual innuendo and outright frank discussion of sex
| crude          = Frequent sexual innuendo and outright frank discussion of sex
Line 71: Line 48:
| clip3          = Captain Jack kisses Captain Jack - Torchwood - BBC
| clip3          = Captain Jack kisses Captain Jack - Torchwood - BBC
| trailer        =   
| trailer        =   
}}
}}</div>


{{Parent Filter TV
{{Parent Filter TV
Line 81: Line 58:
| length          = two main formats: 25' and 45'
| length          = two main formats: 25' and 45'
| description    = ''Doctor Who'' is a largely anthological show about time travel and general adventure that draws from straight drama, science fiction, historical fiction and comedy genres.
| description    = ''Doctor Who'' is a largely anthological show about time travel and general adventure that draws from straight drama, science fiction, historical fiction and comedy genres.
| characters      = [[The Doctor]] and his [[companion]]s
| characters      = [[The Doctor]] and their [[companion]]s
| similar        = {{wi|Quantum Leap}}
| similar        = {{wi|Quantum Leap}}
| availability    = Global, through terrestrial broadcast and home video sales. Widely distributed through the world on [[iTunes]].  
| availability    = Global, through terrestrial broadcast and home video sales. Widely distributed through the world on [[iTunes]].  
Line 101: Line 78:
}}
}}


 
<div style="float:left">
{{Parent Filter TV
{{Parent Filter TV
| title          = The Sarah Jane Adventures
| title          = The Sarah Jane Adventures
Line 129: Line 106:
| trailer        =   
| trailer        =   
}}
}}
 
</div>
{{Parent Filter TV
{{Parent Filter TV
| title          = K9
| title          = K9
Line 152: Line 129:
| alcohol        = None
| alcohol        = None
| crude          = None
| crude          = None
| clip            = K9 - The Series (2009)
| clip            = K9 - THE SERIES trailer (2009)
| clip2          =  
| clip2          =  
| clip3          =  
| clip3          =  
| trailer        =  
| trailer        =  
}}
}}
<div style="float:left">
{{Parent Filter TV
| title          = Class
| image          = Class logo.jpg
| aka            =
| network        = [[BBC Three]]
| startdate      = [[2016 (releases)|2016]]
| length          = 45'
| description    = ''[[Class (TV series)|Class]]'' is about a group of students who defend [[Coal Hill Academy]] against aliens.
| characters      = [[Charlie Smith]], [[April MacLean]], [[Ram Singh]], [[Tanya Adeola]], [[Miss Quill]]
| similar        = {{wi|Buffy the Vampire Slayer}}, {{wi|Once Upon a Time (TV story)|Once Upon a Time}}, {{wi|The Vampire Diaries}}
| availability    = Global via broadcast, physical home media and [[iTunes]] digital download.
| rating          = [[File:BBFC-15.png|50px|link=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/15]]
| typical        = [[File:BBFC-15.png|50px|link=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/15]]
| content        = <!-- please add typical warnings -->
| violence        = Frequent depictions of violence, some quite gruesome.
| language        = Swearing infrequent.
| sex            = Occasional depictions of sex.
| nudity          = Full nudity rare and brief.
| drugs          = None
| tobacco        = Occasional use by [[Ram Singh]].
| alcohol        = Infrequent depictions of social drinking
| crude          = Occasional discussion of sex
| clip            = Things are gonna change around Class Trailer - BBC Three
| clip2          = Official Trailer Class Series Premiere @ 10 10pm ET on BBC America
| clip3          =
| trailer        =
}}
</div>
<div style="clear:both">
=== Audio ===
There's lots of different audio out there, but none of it throws up any serious red flags to parents. Little of what has been made by [[Big Finish Productions]] or [[AudioGo]] under the ''[[Doctor Who]]'' banner contains swearing or overt sexuality or gory sound effects.
[[file:Loups-Garoux.ogg|250px|This probably won't scare ''you'' — but might it scare your child?|right|thumb]]
Because it's audio, however, every listener has their own idea of what exactly is going on in a particular story.  It's difficult therefore to absolutely guarantee that your kid won't have issues with certain audios.
However, even that rule has been stretched, with some stories like ''[[Jubilee (audio story)|Jubilee]]'' involving quite disturbing themes and imagery, albeit in a science-fiction context.  Additionally, most spin-offs are not beholden to it; the ''Torchwood'' series, for example, shares the dark themes and adult language of its televised counterpart.
</div>
</div>
=== Comics ===
[[File:The World Shapers.JPG|thumb|left|This is about as graphic as violence gets in most ''Doctor Who'' comics...]]
In the long history of [[Doctor Who comic stories|''Doctor Who'' comic stories]], almost none have been formally rated by any comics authority.  Of course, few, if any, are at all troubling for parents. ''Doctor Who'' comics are typically mild, with almost no hint of sexuality and little in the way of gory depictions of violence.  Language in ''Doctor Who'' comics is very mild.
[[File:Burning corpse.jpg|thumb|right|...But some are more explicit.]]
That said, modern ''Doctor Who'' comics are split into two basic '''reading levels''', if not '''content levels'''. If you're looking for comics that are easier for your younger child to read, you probably want to give the [[Doctor Who Adventures comic stories|''Doctor Who Adventures'' comic stories]] or (if in the mood for things of an older vintage) ''[[TV Comic]]''s a try. ''[[Doctor Who Magazine comic stories|Doctor Who Magazine]]'', [[Doctor Who (IDW)|IDW]], [[Titan Publishing Group|Titan Comics]] or [[Cutaway Comics]] stories are written to more of a teenage/young adult standard but generally do not contain any particuarly objectionable content.
=== Films ===
Two ''Doctor Who'' theatrical feature films were made in the mid-[[1960s]], both based on earlier television [[serial]]s.  These films pre-date modern film ratings systems, but they would likely be classed as having "mild fantasy violence" today.
The direct-to-video DWU spin-off movies produced by the likes of [[Reeltime Pictures]] and [[BBV Productions]] usually attempt to strike a comparable tone to the TV stories which inspired them.  However, by virtue of being a library of independent productions rather than a continuous franchise, exceptions do exist.  Most famously, the film ''[[Zygon: When Being You Just Isn't Enough (home video)|Zygon: When Being You Just Isn't Enough]]'' prominently features frontal nudity as well as sexual acts.
=== Games ===
[[File:MInes of terror screenshot.jpg|thumb|right|Most ''Doctor Who'' games are pretty primitive]]
Of the various [[DWU]] video games, none have received anything greater than an ESRB "E for everyone" rating.  Some games, however, weren't written in the [[21st century]] and so weren't rated at all. But they were made in the [[1980s]] and [[1990s]], so their graphics weren't sophisticated enough to offend anyone. (Except embarrassed game designers.)
Many [[21st century]] video games, particularly those in ''[[The Adventure Games]]'' range, actually have a strong educational element to them.  Almost every ''Doctor Who'' game ever made is either in the strategy or adventure genre. At a minimum they reward players for problem solving.  Some, such as ''[[The Gunpowder Plot (video game)|The Gunpowder Plot]]'' and ''[[Amy's History Hunt (video game)|Amy's History Hunt]]'', go further and actually teach kids some genuine history.  Others, like ''[[Cyber Assault (video game)|Cyber Assault]]'', are just ''Doctor Who'' versions of classic strategy games like ''[[Risk]]''.
=== Prose ===
==== Novels ====
''Doctor Who'' novels range the gamut from books for young readers to books for adults. Like comics, ''Doctor Who'' books are written to various reading standards.  [[Target novelisation]]s and [[New Series Adventures]] are typically for younger readers.  [[Quick Reads]] can also be enjoyed by kids who are under 12, but they're actually written for adults with literacy issues. '''''These books'' do ''not'' contain any significant areas for parental concern.'''
The tricky books for parents are those written from about [[1992 (releases)|1992]] to [[2004 (releases)|2004]] — that is, the period of time when ''Doctor Who'' was off the air.  In particular the [[Virgin New Adventures]] line was interested in "pushing the envelope".  Although there is no formal book rating "system" out there, '''parents are advised to read these novels first''' before allowing children under the age of 15 read them. The same applies to [[:category:Torchwood novels|''Torchwood'' novels]]. '''''These books'' contain everything from significant swearing to illegal drug use to frank sexuality.'''
Similarly, among the spin-offs, ''[[The Adventures of K9 (series)|The Adventures of K9]]'' and others were written with a primarily child audience in mind, while much of the ''[[Faction Paradox (series)|Faction Paradox]]'' contains more mature themes and language. ''[[Iris Wildthyme (series)|Iris Wildthyme]]'' media are broadly light-hearted, but may contain humour that some would deem inappropriate.
==== Short stories ====
Short stories are also written for different audiences.  Those in [[Doctor Who annual|''Doctor Who'' annuals]] are definitely written with kids in mind, and parents are unlikely to find objectionable content there, other than overly simplistic plots. 
Those stories written for the [[Short Trips (series)|Short Trips]] and [[Decalog (series)|Decalog]] series are intended for older readers. It would be laborious in the extreme, however, to point out which of the individual stories offer which specific parental concerns.  If you're worried about the short stories your child is reading, we recommend that you at least skim them for yourself.
==== Interviews, clips from other shows ====
[[File:DP 30 In The Loop, director Armando Iannucci, actor Peter Capaldi|This video with [[Peter Capaldi]] talking about his {{wi|The Thick of It}} character contains stronger language than he uses as the [[Twelfth Doctor]].|300px|thumb|right]]
We host some videos that are interviews with actors about their larger careers. We also occasionally put up clips from other shows, if they help illustrate what an actor's body of work was like, or, rarely, if they amplify an in-universe article. These videos are meant to amplify our readers' understanding about the production personnel involved, but obviously some interviews can stray into areas that are more adult.
</div>
</div>

Latest revision as of 03:56, 26 February 2024

We're for the whole family
Not just kids

Doctor Who is a family programme. It's not kids' television. People of all ages watch it. That means some stories are for kids — but some aren't. (We're lookin' at you, Torchwood.)

You should be aware that DWU characters have had every kind of sex imaginable. And they regularly die violent deaths — sometimes while chewin' tobacco, drinkin' whiskey and/or droppin' some acid, man. As a parent, you should remember that Doctor Who is a time travel show. That means it regularly depicts things we now frown on, because they used to be commonplace. In the same way Mad Men features offices thick with cigarette fog, you should expect that the Doctor will sometimes relish brandy with a 17th century pirate — or even go window shopping for a bong at a head shop in 1967 San Francisco. Also, because it's over 50 years old, Doctor Who is a bit of a TARDIS itself: some of its attitudes and conventions are of the time a particular episode was made.

Furthermore, we host videos which showcase DWU actors in candid interviews or in other roles they've had in their careers. Such videos give valuable information about those actors — but they may include strong language. If an actor or crew member as worked on Doctor Who, their entire career is fair game here — not just the kid-friendly bits.

The only thing we can promise parents is that we will ruthlessly root out any pornography, violent imagery, or racial hatred that has absolutely nothing to do with DWU stories or the people involved in making them. Our motto is that if it ain't on the show, it ain't on this site. If you ever see any objectionable material on this site has no connection to Doctor Who or its related shows whatsoever, please contact one of our administrators immediately.

TardisDataCoreRoadway.png

Breakdown by medium

It's tempting to believe that the main part of Doctor Who is the television series, and anything in other media is just "that bit on the side". In fact, the Doctor Who franchise broadly consists of five main television programmes and then a variety of prose, comic, and audio formats that support these television shows. Stories in non-televised media far, far outnumber those on television — even though the franchise's parent programme started broadcast in 1963. If your kids get hooked on Doctor Who or one of the other shows in the franchise, they'll probably want to at least pick up a comic book or an audio. So it's important to be aware of concerns across all media.

The following guide serves to give a fairly complete overview of the DWU in all its forms. We don't claim it's exhaustive, or that it will be fit for your particular parenting style. Obviously, we can't mention every detail of a franchise with as much material as this one. But we believe this is a reasonable effort at pointing out areas of possible parental concern.

Television


Audio

There's lots of different audio out there, but none of it throws up any serious red flags to parents. Little of what has been made by Big Finish Productions or AudioGo under the Doctor Who banner contains swearing or overt sexuality or gory sound effects.

This probably won't scare you — but might it scare your child?

Because it's audio, however, every listener has their own idea of what exactly is going on in a particular story. It's difficult therefore to absolutely guarantee that your kid won't have issues with certain audios.

However, even that rule has been stretched, with some stories like Jubilee involving quite disturbing themes and imagery, albeit in a science-fiction context. Additionally, most spin-offs are not beholden to it; the Torchwood series, for example, shares the dark themes and adult language of its televised counterpart.

Comics

This is about as graphic as violence gets in most Doctor Who comics...

In the long history of Doctor Who comic stories, almost none have been formally rated by any comics authority. Of course, few, if any, are at all troubling for parents. Doctor Who comics are typically mild, with almost no hint of sexuality and little in the way of gory depictions of violence. Language in Doctor Who comics is very mild.

...But some are more explicit.

That said, modern Doctor Who comics are split into two basic reading levels, if not content levels. If you're looking for comics that are easier for your younger child to read, you probably want to give the Doctor Who Adventures comic stories or (if in the mood for things of an older vintage) TV Comics a try. Doctor Who Magazine, IDW, Titan Comics or Cutaway Comics stories are written to more of a teenage/young adult standard but generally do not contain any particuarly objectionable content.

Films

Two Doctor Who theatrical feature films were made in the mid-1960s, both based on earlier television serials. These films pre-date modern film ratings systems, but they would likely be classed as having "mild fantasy violence" today.

The direct-to-video DWU spin-off movies produced by the likes of Reeltime Pictures and BBV Productions usually attempt to strike a comparable tone to the TV stories which inspired them. However, by virtue of being a library of independent productions rather than a continuous franchise, exceptions do exist. Most famously, the film Zygon: When Being You Just Isn't Enough prominently features frontal nudity as well as sexual acts.

Games

Most Doctor Who games are pretty primitive

Of the various DWU video games, none have received anything greater than an ESRB "E for everyone" rating. Some games, however, weren't written in the 21st century and so weren't rated at all. But they were made in the 1980s and 1990s, so their graphics weren't sophisticated enough to offend anyone. (Except embarrassed game designers.)

Many 21st century video games, particularly those in The Adventure Games range, actually have a strong educational element to them. Almost every Doctor Who game ever made is either in the strategy or adventure genre. At a minimum they reward players for problem solving. Some, such as The Gunpowder Plot and Amy's History Hunt, go further and actually teach kids some genuine history. Others, like Cyber Assault, are just Doctor Who versions of classic strategy games like Risk.

Prose

Novels

Doctor Who novels range the gamut from books for young readers to books for adults. Like comics, Doctor Who books are written to various reading standards. Target novelisations and New Series Adventures are typically for younger readers. Quick Reads can also be enjoyed by kids who are under 12, but they're actually written for adults with literacy issues. These books do not contain any significant areas for parental concern.

The tricky books for parents are those written from about 1992 to 2004 — that is, the period of time when Doctor Who was off the air. In particular the Virgin New Adventures line was interested in "pushing the envelope". Although there is no formal book rating "system" out there, parents are advised to read these novels first before allowing children under the age of 15 read them. The same applies to Torchwood novels. These books contain everything from significant swearing to illegal drug use to frank sexuality.

Similarly, among the spin-offs, The Adventures of K9 and others were written with a primarily child audience in mind, while much of the Faction Paradox contains more mature themes and language. Iris Wildthyme media are broadly light-hearted, but may contain humour that some would deem inappropriate.

Short stories

Short stories are also written for different audiences. Those in Doctor Who annuals are definitely written with kids in mind, and parents are unlikely to find objectionable content there, other than overly simplistic plots.

Those stories written for the Short Trips and Decalog series are intended for older readers. It would be laborious in the extreme, however, to point out which of the individual stories offer which specific parental concerns. If you're worried about the short stories your child is reading, we recommend that you at least skim them for yourself.

Interviews, clips from other shows

File:DP 30 In The Loop, director Armando Iannucci, actor Peter Capaldi
This video with Peter Capaldi talking about his The Thick of It character contains stronger language than he uses as the Twelfth Doctor.

We host some videos that are interviews with actors about their larger careers. We also occasionally put up clips from other shows, if they help illustrate what an actor's body of work was like, or, rarely, if they amplify an in-universe article. These videos are meant to amplify our readers' understanding about the production personnel involved, but obviously some interviews can stray into areas that are more adult.