The MrBeast Effect: What Parents Need To Know

Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, sleeps in a cage with two friends in the middle of an African safari park. A huge steak hangs from the cage bars, while two more are tossed onto the dry grass surrounding the cage. And then they wait for lions to start circling.

This YouTube video, called "I Survived The 5 Deadliest Places On Earth," is par for the course for MrBeast, whose channel is full of intense challenges, creative competitions and unique stunts.

He's become one of YouTube's most viral sensations in recent years. His main YouTube channel has more than 383 million subscribers and has 77.99 billion views across all his channels. He's become so popular that he launched a line of snacks—chocolate bars, cookies and gummy candy—called Feastables and a fast-food brand available via delivery called MrBeast Burger.

Wondering if MrBeast is suitable for your kids? This article will break down everything parents need to know about the popular YouTuber.

Who is MrBeast?

MrBeast ranks among the most influential figures on YouTube and TikTok today.

Yaron Litwin, a digital parenting expert and CMO of the Canopy Parental Control App, explains that Donaldson started his career as a teenager on YouTube. "His breakthrough came with a long YouTube video where he counted to 100,000," he says. That video went viral."

His style has changed significantly over the years. Initially, Litwin says that Donaldson created gaming videos and low-effort viral content. Over time, however, he leveraged his growing fame and resources to produce elaborate challenges. These projects often included significant charitable efforts, which further propelled him into the spotlight.

Why do kids like MrBeast?

MrBeast has a massive following, particularly among younger viewers. He recently shared a striking statistic on LinkedIn—about 9.5 percent of the world's population has watched one of his videos within the past three months.

Litwin highlights that the content creator's popularity among kids stems from his distinctive content style. He explains that MrBeast creates videos designed to deliver fast-paced fun and excitement, which viewers find highly engaging. Additionally, he leverages video platform algorithms to his advantage. He continuously builds on the success of his previous achievements to maintain and grow his audience. You can find him on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and Threads.

The types of videos MrBeast creates

MrBeast produces a wide range of videos across different YouTube channels. His primary channel is called MrBeast, but he also runs several others, including Beast Philanthropy, MrBeast Gaming, Beast Reacts and MrBeast 2.

Here’s a quick look at some of the types of videos he makes.

• Challenges: He often hosts elaborate challenges that involve large groups of participants. You can find these exciting challenges on various channels, including his main channel. Additionally, his reality competition series, Beast Games, is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
• Giveaways: In his giveaway videos, MrBeast generously distributes significant amounts of money and valuable prizes. These entertaining videos can be viewed on both the MrBeast and Beast Philanthropy channels.
• Philanthropy: He showcases his charitable efforts and donations in videos dedicated to philanthropy. The Beast Philanthropy channel offers a closer look at his charitable activities.
• Stunts: Videos involving large-scale stunts and experiments are the hallmark of MrBeast’s content. His main channel features these types of videos.
• Gaming: Kids can also watch gaming videos on the dedicated MrBeast Gaming channel.

The surprisingly positive MrBeast effect

Watching people win money makes people happy. As Adrian R. Camilleri wrote on theconversation.com, "When those around us are happy, it rubs off. Researchers call this emotional contagion. This idea suggests people tend to 'catch' other people’s emotions and replicate them."

“One of the best things about MrBeast’s videos is how they promote generosity and kindness,” explains Savana Howe, a licensed clinical psychotherapist. “He frequently showcases acts of giving, from donating significant sums to helping those who are struggling. This can serve as an excellent role model for children, encouraging them to find ways to be helpful and generous themselves.”

Howe also highlights the YouTuber's entrepreneurial spirit as another positive feature of his work. “His innovative thinking and business drive can motivate kids to dream big and explore creative ideas,” she adds. “Moreover, his content tends to be clean, making it a safer viewing option than many other influencers.”

The not-so-positive MrBeast effect

MrBeast's videos, while engaging and filled with thrilling challenges and generous acts, present a complex picture for young viewers.

Niloufar Esmaeilpour, a registered Clinical Counsellor and the founder at Lotus Therapy & Counselling Centre raises concerns about screen time and the fast-paced nature of the content. "His videos are designed to be engaging, but this can lead to shorter attention spans because of the rapid editing, flashy visuals and nonstop excitement."

Additionally, Howe points out that some kids may feel compelled to try dangerous or unrealistic stunts after watching what they see in MrBeast’s videos. And Aja Chavez, a therapist and adolescent development expert, points out that while the YouTuber is generous, which can inspire kindness, "Sometimes his videos are so extravagant that they might lead kids to feel that their own lives are dull in comparison.”

Chavez also addresses the portrayal of fame, saying, "Young viewers see his lavish giveaways and assume that being a celebrity guarantees easy success. They often overlook the stress that comes with it or fail to recognize that most influencers never attain his level of popularity. The truth is that fame isn’t always as appealing as it looks.”

Guidelines for watching MrBeast content

If your child enjoys watching MrBeast videos, here are a few tips to consider.

Age recommendations

Common Sense Media suggests that MrBeast’s videos are most appropriate for children aged 14 and up—likely older than many of his fans. This is due to the frequent presence of sponsorships and product placements, as well as some crude language, humor and risky stunts.

Time limits for viewing

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged six and older should have their screen time restricted to between one to two hours daily. This limitation is crucial to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with sleep, exercise, or other important daily routines.

Co-viewing strategies

Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to watch videos from MrBeast together with their children. This way, you can be more engaged in your child’s media consumption and help guide their viewing choices.

How to talk to your kids about MrBeast

Clinical counselor Esmaeilpour advises, "It’s important to discuss with kids what they’re watching because they might form unbelievable ideas about money and success." Building on this, parents should engage their children in active discussions to navigate the complex messages within MrBeast's content, addressing both the positive and potentially harmful themes. Key discussion points include:

• The positive themes of philanthropy and generosity
• The potentially harmful themes of materialism and unrealistic financial expectations
• How to distinguish between real-life situations and media portrayals
• How to save, spend and give money responsibly

The bottom line

Howe points out that MrBeast is one of the more positive YouTube influencers for kids. "His content is entertaining, largely wholesome and promotes generosity," she says.

However, she also says that moderation and guidance are key. "With the right discussions and balance, kids can enjoy his videos without adopting unrealistic views about money or success," she explains.

Experts

• Yaron Litwin is a digital parenting expert and CMO of the Canopy Parental Control App.
• Niloufar Esmaeilpour is a registered Clinical Counsellor & Approved Supervisor, Founder at Lotus Therapy & Counselling Centre.
• Savana Howe, a licensed clinical psychotherapist,
•  Aja Chavez, a therapist and adolescent development expert