Five Australian screen stories for children over 12

As children move into the complex years comprising late primary school and adolescence, the stories they engage with matter deeply. At this age, they are still developing their sense of identity, empathy and critical thinking. But they may feel they have outgrown the children’s content they loved in their younger years – particularly if peers or older siblings are consuming adult drama.

While adult content can be compelling, it is often built around experiences and themes that are not yet meaningful - or appropriate - for younger viewers. By contrast, high-quality Australian children’s television content is carefully shaped to align with children’s cognitive and emotional development. It offers emotional depth and imaginative storytelling without exposing them to material that may be confusing or overwhelming.

Families may be less familiar with shows created for this older age group and struggle to find them as their children explore beyond their known children’s television interfaces. The following five series are not only engaging, but respect children’s intelligence and maturity and provide a safe framework for exploring big ideas like friendship, grief, ambition, and belonging.

The PM’s Daughter (Series 2)

Set against the backdrop of Canberra’s political world, The PM’s Daughter follows teenager Cat Parkes Pérez as she balances school life with the pressures of being the child of Australia’s Prime Minister. In Series 2, Cat’s journalistic instincts lead her into a high-stakes investigation that explores truth, power and the role of media.

The series skilfully blends humour and suspense, presenting political ideas through the lens of its funny, determined young protagonist. It invites viewers to think critically about ethics and responsibility, while grounding the story in relatable teenage experiences.

Watch: ABC iview (The PM’s Daughter Series 1 is available for digital download from the ACTF Shop)

Crazy Fun Park

A bold and genre-bending coming-of-age story, Crazy Fun Park follows Chester, a teenager grappling with grief after the death of his best friend, who now appears to him in a haunted amusement park. The series mixes comedy, fantasy and emotional realism to explore loss, friendship and the challenges of growing up.

While the premise includes supernatural elements, Crazy Fun Park remains grounded in the everyday experiences of adolescence - making complex feelings accessible and relatable for young viewers.

Watch: Netflix

Dance Academy

A much-loved Australian classic, Dance Academy follows a group of aspiring young dancers at the National Academy of Dance. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Sydney Harbour, Dance Academy is a series about ambition, resilience and identity, as its characters navigate friendship, rivalry and the pressures of pursuing excellence.

Over three series and a feature film, when Dance Academy premiered in 2010 it pushed the boundaries of children’s television by exploring themes which other shows had steered clear of, like mental health, disordered eating, sexual identity, and death. The series acknowledges the challenges young people face while offering hope, humour and a strong sense of community.

Watch: ABC iview, Netflix, Stan

Ready for This

Ready for This brings together six talented teenagers from across Australia who come to live at Arcadia House in Sydney, each pursuing excellence in their chosen field. For some, it is an opportunity; for others, a last chance. What begins as a group of strangers evolves into something more like a family, as they navigate ambition, cultural identity, friendship and belonging.

Created through a powerful collaboration with First Nations storytellers, Ready for This stands out for its authentic representation and its commitment to telling stories that reflect the richness and diversity of Australian youth. It offers layered, character-driven storytelling that invites viewers to engage deeply with questions of identity, resilience and connection.

Watch: ABC iview

Tales from Outer Suburbia

Inspired by Shaun Tan’s magical illustrated anthology, Tales from Outer Suburbia follows 12-year-old Klara, her six-year-old brother Pim and their newly single mum Lucy as they adjust to their new lives in a strange suburban world where the ordinary and the extraordinary coexist.

A breathtaking CGI animation designed for family viewing, older children will relate to Klara’s journey as she grapples with her need for independence, overwhelm at new responsibilities, and deep love for her family. Through its surreal imagery and storylines, Tales from Outer Suburbia respects its audience by allowing space for interpretation, rather than providing easy answers.

Watch: ABC iview