Franklin Graham Sounds the Alarm: Protect Our Children from Harmful Media Content

In recent weeks, Netflix has found itself at the center of a growing controversy. Reports have surfaced that the streaming giant is featuring animated programs exposing young children to LGBTQ+ themes, including gay kisses, transgender characters, and gender-bending storylines. While some see these shows as progressive, Franklin Graham, one of America’s most prominent evangelical leaders, has stepped forward with a clear and urgent message: parents must take action to protect their children.

Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, has long been an outspoken advocate for family values and the protection of children. He believes that what children are exposed to in media has a profound effect on their moral and spiritual development. In his view, Netflix’s content is not just entertainment—it is part of a broader cultural agenda that could confuse, mislead, and harm young minds.

Graham’s concern is particularly focused on the streaming service’s animated programming. Many of these shows are rated for children as young as seven, an age when kids are highly impressionable and still developing their understanding of identity, morality, and human relationships. “Young children are learning about the world through the stories they watch,” Graham explains. “When those stories are filled with inappropriate content, they can shape their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs in ways that are harmful and confusing.”

One example that has drawn attention is a program featuring a little boy in a dress, performing for his gay dads. Other shows have included transgender characters in storylines meant for elementary-aged children. While some argue that these programs promote inclusivity, Graham sees them differently. “This is not just about representation—it’s about exposing children to adult issues and concepts they are not ready to process,” he says. “It’s morally irresponsible and spiritually dangerous.”

The reaction to Graham’s message has been strong, particularly among parents and faith communities who share his concerns. Many have reported feeling blindsided by the availability of such content on a platform that is widely accessible in households across the country. The issue has sparked broader conversations about parental responsibility, media consumption, and the influence of entertainment on children’s development.

Graham is calling for action. He urges parents to take a careful look at the programming their children are watching and to make conscious decisions about subscriptions. “If a service like Netflix cannot provide age-appropriate content or allow families to protect their kids from harmful material, it is the responsibility of parents to step in,” he emphasizes. This call to action is not just about boycotting a company—it is about creating awareness and safeguarding the next generation.

He also stresses the role of the community. Protecting children is not solely an individual responsibility. Schools, religious institutions, and social organizations all play a part in guiding young people and helping them navigate the complex media landscape. “We live in a culture that often prioritizes entertainment over truth and morality,” Graham says. “It is up to all of us—families, communities, and faith leaders—to ensure our children are not swept away by harmful influences.”

The debate over Netflix content is part of a larger societal discussion about values, freedom of expression, and the rights of parents. While some argue that media should reflect diversity and teach acceptance, Graham believes that exposure to certain themes at a young age crosses a line. He warns that children are vulnerable to messages that normalize behaviors and identities they may not yet understand. In his perspective, early exposure can lead to confusion, emotional struggles, and moral ambiguity.

For Franklin Graham, the solution is straightforward: parents must be vigilant, informed, and proactive. He encourages families to engage in open conversations with their children about values, identity, and morality. By doing so, parents can provide guidance that counters the influence of media that they consider inappropriate. “Parental involvement is key,” he says. “You cannot leave your children’s moral and spiritual education to the entertainment industry.”

Graham’s message also carries a spiritual dimension. He believes that children’s exposure to harmful content can have long-term effects not just on behavior, but on faith and character. He calls on Christian families, in particular, to take a stand for biblical values and to shield children from influences that contradict those principles. His advocacy emphasizes that protecting children is both a moral and a spiritual imperative.

Despite the criticism he sometimes faces for taking a strong stance, Graham remains unwavering. He continues to speak publicly, write articles, and engage with communities to highlight the importance of protecting children from harmful media. His consistent message is clear: the stakes are high, and parents cannot afford to be passive. The innocence, moral grounding, and spiritual health of the next generation are at risk, and it is up to adults to safeguard them.

In conclusion, Franklin Graham’s warning about Netflix’s content is more than a commentary on media—it is a rallying cry for parents, communities, and faith leaders to take responsibility for the protection and moral guidance of children. He emphasizes vigilance, parental engagement, and a proactive approach to media consumption as essential tools for ensuring that children grow up with clarity, confidence, and a solid moral foundation. “We cannot afford to be silent,” Graham insists. “Our children deserve protection, guidance, and the freedom to grow up in a world that nurtures their innocence rather than undermines it.”

As debates about media, morality, and childhood continue, Franklin Graham’s voice remains a steadfast reminder of the importance of parental responsibility and the protection of young minds in an increasingly complex and challenging cultural landscape.