[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
If you grew up online, chances are you remember your fair share of internet nonsense. Back in the 90s, we danced along with hamsters. In the 00s we were glued to bouncing badgers. In the early 2010s, we were so obsessed with the Harlem Shake that a new version of the trend was uploaded every 21 seconds to YouTube. At its core, internet culture hasn\u2019t changed much: it\u2019s always been built around grabbing attention and chasing views – but the ways we access content have changed and adapted.<\/span><\/p>\n As anyone with a phone and a little spare time can share their creations with the whole world, not everything we watch is entertaining, useful, or even meaningful. <\/span>Some videos are designed to do just one thing: lure us into the steady stream of the scroll and the autoplay. <\/b>This type of content – often loud, strange, repetitive, or completely random – has become so common it\u2019s earned its own name: brain rot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But what exactly is brain rot, and should parents be worried about it?<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The term \u201cbrain rot\u201d emerged from internet culture as a catch-all term for a certain type of content: think <\/span>short, repetitive, low-effort, or bizarre videos and images that are designed to quickly grab attention<\/b>, but offer little in terms of what we get out of them. These videos are often stitched together in quick succession, and can feel pretty random, overstimulating, or overwhelming.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBrain rot\u201d also has another meaning, about the effect that consuming this kind of content can have on our minds. If you\u2019ve ever heard your tween talk about a video \u201cgiving them brain rot\u201d, they\u2019re likely not being too serious, but there\u2019s some truth to the joke: <\/span>watching too much of this content might leave you feeling irritable, or a little spaced out<\/b>. For kids and teens, who are more likely to spend more time watching these videos, it can make it <\/span>harder for them to stay focused<\/span><\/a>, stay present, or enjoy activities that are slower-paced, that require more of their attention.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Brain rot – the content and the concept – is trickling its way into offline conversation and culture: it was <\/span>Oxford\u2019s Word of the Year for 2024<\/span><\/a>, and across 2025, confused teachers were perplexed as students asked them for their <\/span>favorite Italian brainrot animal<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cTung tung tung sahur,\u201d \u201cTralalero tralala\u201d, \u201cBallerina capucina\u201d<\/span><\/i>. If your child\u2019s been dropping some of these word combinations into conversation recently, they\u2019re not speaking a new language (well, sort of) – they\u2019re referencing Italian brainrot characters and animals. This viral trend mashes up several bizarre elements: fake-sounding Italian voices, and AI-generated videos of inanimate objects crossed with animals, like a shark in Nike sneakers, or a baseball bat with a face, arms, and legs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Much like the <\/span>skibidi toilet trend<\/span><\/a>, that had children the world over yelling out the theme song to one another across classrooms for months, <\/span>Italian brainrot is catchy, weird, and ridiculous<\/b>. Each brainrot animal comes with its own lore and \u201ccatchphrase\u201d, meaning kids can repeat the funny phrases and connect through the character\u2019s backstory. These trends on the whole are usually harmless, but <\/span>they\u2019re a wider symptom of a certain type of content and behavior on digital platforms that can be hard for kids to switch off from<\/b>, which is never healthy in excess.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Brain rot content is most at home <\/span>on<\/b> short-form video platforms, like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts<\/b>: apps where the endless scroll is a huge design feature, where fast-paced clips compete for attention. But brain rot is now so common, it\u2019s not just confined to the online world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This kind of content spreads quickly, and <\/span>for kids, this spills into their daily life, through conversations, inside jokes, and games in the school playground<\/b>. Even if your child doesn\u2019t go online much, or use social media at all, they can easily be exposed to online trends and viral \u201cbrain rot\u201d content through friends, siblings, or other <\/span>online platforms like Roblox<\/span><\/a> and regular YouTube videos. Just as many of us took the Crazy Frog\u2019s title as \u201cThe Annoying Thing\u201d to be a challenge, serenading our teachers, parents, and unsuspecting strangers with it wherever we went, random sound effects, catchphrases and songs quickly make their way from online brain rot videos into the real world.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2025\/07\/09140959\/2025-06-What-is-brain-rot_Inside-Image.png” alt=”young boy scrolling mindlessly on phone” title_text=”2025-06-What-is-brain-rot_Inside-Image” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t \u201cget\u201d brain rot content, it\u2019s OK – you\u2019re just showing your age. For adults, this type of content can seem pointless, or just annoying. For kids and teens though, the experience is different. <\/span>For younger viewers, these videos are oddly satisfying<\/b>: short, easy to digest, and directly serve up an instant burst of entertainment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Brain rot videos are often unpredictable, making it difficult to look away, featuring loud sounds, surreal humour, and weird concepts that draw you in. Add AI into the mix, and it\u2019s easy to create trends in seconds, with videos and images that can come to life from a simple, silly idea. <\/span>This type of content looks funny and new, and the fact that it doesn\u2019t resonate with adults helps make it even more appealing<\/b>, letting kids feel they\u2019re in on the joke and a shared online culture that fosters a sense of belonging.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s also a deeper appeal outside the social elements. Brain rot content taps into how our brain\u2019s reward system works, <\/span>supplying kids with quick, easily digestible bursts of stimulation<\/b>. Simply swiping up always serves them with something new, drawing them into the scroll and keeping the dopamine flowing. Over time, <\/span>this constant stream of entertainment can \u201ctrain\u201d the brain<\/span><\/a>, as it relies on these short gratification loops. It can also make slower-paced, or more focused activities seem boring by comparison.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n So while on the surface, brain rot might just seem silly, or meaningless, it\u2019s the perfect companion to help social media and online platforms keep us hooked: instant gratification, sensory overload, and a way to connect with those around us, even if we\u2019re doing it through a screen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While brain rot might have started out as a joke, there\u2019s a more serious side to it. <\/span>What\u2019s harmful and dangerous about this type of content isn\u2019t specific to brain rot, but social media platforms and digital content in general,<\/b> and how they affect the way kids and teens think, feel, and get things done.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s what parents need to keep in mind about brain rot:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 1. It can have an impact on attention span<\/b><\/p>\n Kids who spend a lot of time watching short, stimulating videos may find it harder to concentrate. Some researchers have linked watching short-form video content to <\/span>struggles with memory-based academic work<\/span><\/a>, with videos affecting students\u2019 attention spans and <\/span>memory problems<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 2. It can contribute to sensory overload<\/b><\/p>\n When kids are constantly fed with novel, fresh entertainment that keeps them engaged, there comes a point where they can feel overwhelmed. When they pull themselves out of the loop, this can make them feel foggy or restless – taking in a lot of information and content, but without being able to put their finger on <\/span>what<\/span><\/i> they took from it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 3. Scrolling can affect sleep<\/b><\/p>\n Engaging with stimulating content can affect sleep<\/span><\/a>, especially if your child is consuming it right before bed. If there\u2019s one thing kids (and parents) need, it\u2019s sleep – and lack of it can contribute to low mood, raise stress levels, and affect overall wellbeing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As with most things online, it\u2019s all about balance, and helping kids form healthy digital habits. Preventing exposure to brain rot content is difficult to do – as even if children don\u2019t scroll social media themselves, online trends find their way offline in a flash.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are several ways parents can make children\u2019s and teens\u2019 video-viewing habits healthier:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 1. Monitor the content your child sees online<\/b><\/p>\n Keep an eye out for the kind of content your child engages with across the internet. Even if they don\u2019t have access to social media, there are many ways for them to access short-form video, even without an account. Platforms like YouTube offer native parental controls, but for more complete protection across websites and social media, you may find a digital wellbeing tool such as Qustodio helpful, to block apps, <\/span>check in on YouTube videos<\/span><\/a>, and monitor the content your child is searching for online.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Keep communication open and regular<\/b><\/p>\nWhat is brain rot?<\/b><\/h2>\n
What is Italian brainrot?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Where do kids find brain rot?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Why do kids like brain rot content? <\/b><\/h2>\n
Is brain rot actually harmful, though? <\/b><\/h2>\n
What can parents do to help?<\/b><\/h2>\n