Are ASMR Videos The Secret To Calmer Kids?

Ever caught yourself mesmerized by Bob Ross’s soothing voice or those oddly satisfying slime videos? Or are you already falling asleep to soft-spoken YouTubers pretending to do your makeup?

Turns out that kids are just as hooked on ASMR—and for good reason. From whispered bedtime stories to the sounds of squishing slime, ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) is making waves among young viewers.

Violet Ostuni, a birth educator and motherhood mentor, describes ASMR as “the feel-good or tingling sensation you get when listening to someone whispering or gently explaining something.” But is it just harmless fun, or should parents be paying closer attention?

Before your little ones dive into this sensory experience, here’s what you need to know—including the benefits, potential risks, and how to help them navigate ASMR safely.

Types of ASMR triggers

ASMR content on YouTube has been around for over 10 years as a way to 'trigger' the ASMR response in the viewer. ASMR can be triggered by:

• Sounds: soft, repetitive, crinkly, whispery sounds.
• Visuals: gentle, slow movements, lights, colors, twinkles, facial expressions.
• Role-play scenarios: interpersonal experiences of caretaking or personal attention.

Potential benefits of ASMR for children

General benefits

Clint Kreider, a licensed marriage and family therapist, says that ASMR can offer children a sense of security and control, which is one of its greatest benefits.

"Anxiety thrives on uncertainty; ASMR's predictability creates a safe, controlled space," he says. "The gentle auditory and visual cues act as 'cognitive white noise,' crowding out racing thoughts."

Benefits for younger children

That pesky, messy slime can actually be a sensory tool for relaxation—no YouTube needed.

Dr. Jessica McCarthy, a clinical psychologist, says that activities like playing with slime can enhance a child's imagination and cognitive skills. When kids squish and stretch slime, they're not just having fun—they're also developing their senses and finding comfort in the repetitive motions. This simple play helps them get creative, learn about different textures and even understand a bit of science.

Benefits for older children and teens

McCarthy notes that the digital era has created new opportunities for older children to experience ASMR through mobile apps and social media.

"Live-streamed ASMR content, particularly on platforms like TikTok, can offer a more intimate experience, potentially serving as a comforting presence for those grappling with loneliness or depression," she says.

Benefits for neurodivergent children

For neurodivergent kids, Kreider says that ASMR's predictable stimuli can help regulate sensory input.

"A child with ADHD might use rhythmic sounds to focus, while an autistic child might find relief in specific textures or tones," he says. "However, collaboration with therapists is essential to ensure ASMR complements—rather than replaces—skills like emotional labeling or social interaction."

Potential risks and concerns of ASMR for children 

ASMR is generally considered safe, but parents should be mindful of a few potential concerns.

Noah Kass, a licensed psychotherapist, cautions against overreliance on ASMR content for relaxation or sleep, as it may hinder a child's ability to self-soothe without technology. He also notes that some children, especially those with sensory processing issues, might find ASMR videos overstimulating.

Another important point comes from Dr. Gail Saltz, a psychiatry professor, who says that although ASMR can be soothing, it shouldn't replace proper care for mental health concerns.

How to choose appropriate ASMR content for children

To choose appropriate ASMR content for kids, Dr. Paul Hokemeyer, a licensed marriage and family therapist, provides several key guidelines for parents:

1. Restrict content to child-focused platforms

He recommends sticking with platforms like YouTube Kids, which has vetted content for younger audiences," Hokemeyer explains.

To help avoid encountering inappropriate content, he also suggests using apps such as Safes and FlashGet. "These apps help parents manage their child's screen time, filter profile content, and monitor their child's real-time location and social media use," he says.

2. Review content before viewing 

Even if platforms say they have content that is appropriate for children, Hokemeyer stresses the importance of making sure their content feels appropriate for your children.

"Parents should always preview content with a focus on what is in the best interest of their unique child," he says. "Just like your child needs a pair of shoes that fit their feet, so do they need content relevant to their unique beings."

3. Set screen time limits

Setting screen time limits is crucial when your child engages with ASMR content.

"We want our kids to use ASMR platforms to help them relax, reduce anxiety and regulate emotions," says Hokemeyer. "We don't want them to become dependent on them. Use these platforms judiciously as part of a holistic plan that includes other interventions such as diet, exercise, and time with family, friends, and nature."

4. Monitor usage

"Make sure they are using the platforms you've vetted and not delving into other sites that might overstimulate them or expose them to content that's not appropriate," he says.

Should I show my kids ASMR videos before bed?

We know that the blue light emitted by screens can disrupt sleep, but ASMR videos are so relaxing that they can make kids sleepy. What's a parent to do?

While showing your child videos as they fall asleep is probably a bad idea—and a great way to get them to rely on soothing videos to get to sleep—you could incorporate ASMR into a longer bedtime routine. Consider watching an ASMR video when it's time to start winding down, likely before bath or story time, an hour or more before you want them to be asleep.

Kid-friendly ASMR channels and videos

Monica Amorosi, a licensed psychotherapist, says that there are kid-friendly ASMR channels and videos that families can explore together.

Here are some channels and videos that she recommends checking out.

WhispersRed Sleepy Children

This channel from ASMR artist Emma WhispersRed specializes in bedtime comfort through whispered stories and cozy playtime with stuffed animals.

Amorosi describes it as "a warm, reassuring space that uses gentle voices and calming toys to help kids wind down." Though beloved for its cheerful vibe, the channel has stopped releasing fresh content, leaving viewers to revisit existing videos."

BedtimeStoryCo

Amorosi strongly recommends this channel for children. It tells soothing bedtime stories using a soft-spoken voice, shushing sounds in the background, and other soothing sounds," she explains. "The visuals are relaxing and non-stimulating."

PlayMoshiKids

PlayMoshiKids is a YouTube channel designed to help children relax, sleep, and learn through engaging and soothing content.

"The channel features a calming, soft-spoken voice and guided meditations aimed at promoting relaxation and better sleep," says Amorosi. "Its visuals are thoughtfully created for kids, and it also includes videos with white noise and other gentle, comforting sounds."

Other types of ASMR for kids

• "No talking" ASMR: Creators trigger ASMR by making sounds with everyday objects.

• "Sand cutting" ASMR: Slicing kinetic sand for crunchy sounds and calming visuals.

• "Satisfying slime" ASMR: Making slime for squishy sounds and soothing visuals.

• "Bedtime story" ASMR: Whispering stories and creating page-turning sounds.

Alternatives to ASMR for relaxation and sleep

For children seeking screen-free relaxation methods beyond ASMR videos, Amorosi suggests focusing on four sensory pathways with these alternatives:

Tactile and auditory stimulation

Skip the videos and cuddle with your kids, tickling their backs or playing with their hair.

• Hair-play
• Light touches
• Object tapping
• Page-turning

Sound-based relaxation

Use your phone or a sound machine for audio-only ASMR triggers.

• White noise
• Guided meditations
• Nature sounds

Talking to your kids about ASMR

If your child is interested in watching ASMR videos, parenting expert Stephanie Edenburg says that it is important to have open conversations with them before viewing content.

"Kids may not fully understand what they’re watching, so asking them how ASMR makes them feel can help parents gauge whether it’s truly beneficial," she explains. "These conversations also create opportunities to discuss internet safety, critical thinking, and setting boundaries around screen use."

Promoting balanced media habits

ASMR, like any digital content, tends to work best when it’s part of a balanced routine. So it's important to set screen limits, even when the content is relaxing.

Navigating the ASMR landscape with your kids

ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, can offer both advantages and disadvantages for children. Edenburg notes that many children struggling with stress and sleep have found ASMR particularly beneficial.

On the flip side, Edenburg cautions that not all ASMR content is suitable for children; some videos may contain inappropriate themes or unsettling role-playing situations. Moreover, watching ASMR videos on devices like phones or tablets before bedtime may disrupt natural sleep patterns.

Therefore, Edenburg says it’s important for parents to recognize both the benefits and risks of ASMR while remaining actively involved in their children’s media consumption.

Experts

• Stephanie Edenburg is a parenting expert.
• Violet Ostuni is a birth educator, doula, and motherhood mentor.
• Monica Amorosi, LMHC-D, CCTP, NCC, is a licensed psychotherapist.
• Dr. Paul Hokemeyer is a licensed marriage and family therapist.
• Dr Jessica McCarthy is a clinical psychologist.
• Clint Kreider is a licensed marriage and family therapist.
• Dr. Gail Saltz is a clinical associate professor of psychiatry.