Can My Child Watch Off Campus?

Off Campus has quickly become one of the most talked-about young adult series of the year. Based on the bestselling novels by Elle Kennedy, the university-set drama combines romance, friendship, sport, and plenty of steamy sexual content. But alongside its lighter moments, the series also tackles more serious themes, including sexual assault, trauma, and consent.

The series has been self-rated 16 by Prime Video for New Zealand audiences, with warnings for drug use, sex scenes, sexual violence themes, and domestic violence.

The show's portrayal of sexual violence has sparked discussion among viewers and commentators. While the historical assault itself is not shown on-screen, the impact it has on a character's life and relationships becomes an important part of the story. Here at the office, we welcome healthy portrayals of difficult conversations, and the careful treatment of experiences that can be triggering for viewers, rather than using it simply as a plot device. Off Campus presents an opportunity to talk with young people in your life about some tough topics with care. And to role model how young people can support their friends

If you're wondering whether Off Campus is suitable for your child or teenager, it's important to look beyond the romance. The series contains frequent strong language, sex scenes, drug use, and discussions of sexual violence that some young viewers may find upsetting.

See our content breakdown for Off Campus here.

How much sexual content is in Off Campus?

The series includes several sex scenes between main characters, which typically focus on intimacy, connection, and relationship progression – the show is known for its steaminess. There are sex scenes between university-aged students - accompanied by suggestive movements, and moans but it is generally framed around relationships and emotional development rather than being explicit or graphic. Yes, we see couples having sex but all of the scenes are consensual and show female pleasure. The strongest scenes include:

• Sounds suggesting a character is masturbating with a sex toy.
• Characters masturbate while looking at each other.
• There is a montage of sex scenes where both sex and oral sex is implied

There are also references to sex and sexual relationships throughout the series, along with themes of attraction, boundaries, and past experiences that shape how the characters relate to intimacy.

Is there nudity in Off Campus?

There are few scenes of topless women, casual and confident with their nudity both in sexual and nonsexual situations. In a locker room scene, we see nonsexual nudity of men’s penises.

Does Off Campus contain sexual violence?

One of the show's most significant themes is sexual violence and its impact on survivors. The assault itself is not shown on screen, and within the universe of the show it happened in the character’s past. However, the show explores how resulting sexual trauma impacts survivor wellbeing, relationships and social life. You can read our content breakdown for more specific information about the sexual violence references.

If you’d like a more information on this topic, RNZ published an article that talks to what Off Campus gets right in its portrayal of sexual violence.

Does Off Campus contain domestic violence?

Domestic violence is shown through implied dialogue and subtle visual representations throughout the series. Although it is not overtly shown on screen, frequent references and recurring themes build a clear picture of domestic abuse – establishing its intergenerational impacts as a key part of a main character’s story arc.

Across different episodes, there are flashbacks showing bloodied knuckles, bruised wrists, and a punched wall. Similar to its portrayal of sexual violence, the series does not focus on the acts themselves but instead explores the longstanding consequences: how growing up around domestic abuse can affect future relationships and influence behaviours.

Is Off Campus appropriate for children or young teens? 

The series is self-rated 16 meaning it is suitable for audiences 16 years and older. The show is set at university, the main characters are all over the age of 18 and navigate adult-life experiences more suitable and relatable for older teens and adults. The series contains frequent strong language, sex scenes and drug use, as well as more serious themes including sexual assault and domestic violence.

Other themes parents and whānau should know before watching Off Campus

The two central characters carry the effects of challenging past experiences. Their interweaving stories show how unresolved trauma can affect a person’s confidence, communication, and relationships.

We see healthy depictions of men talking with each other about consensual sex and making their partners feel safe, confident and ensuring consent.

The story also highlights how positive relationships and healthy sexual experiences can help someone move forward after difficult experiences.

How to talk to your child about Off Campus without making it awkward

When it comes to films and series about relationships, sex and dating, there are opportunities to have meaningful conversations with young people about what healthy relationships look like. It doesn't need to be a big, serious conversation about consent. Often, it's easier to start with the characters and the choices they make.

Try asking:

• Why do you think the characters made the choices they did?
• Did any relationships in the series seem healthy or unhealthy?
• Was there a moment that made you uncomfortable or confused?
• What do you think the story is saying about love, trust and consent?
• Did any characters change by the end? What helped them grow?

Questions like these can help rangatahi think critically about what they have watched without putting them on the spot. They can also encourage reflection on their own friendships and romantic relationships, and what respect, trust and healthy communication look and feel like in real life.

Final thoughts

Adapted from the bestselling novels by Elle Kennedy, Off Campus has lived up to its popularity on screen. For a series that is known for spicy sex scenes and explicit romantic encounters, it doesn’t shy away from more sensitive topics that some viewers may find upsetting.

While the consensual sex scenes are pretty frequent, references to sexual assault are handled subtly and focus on the aftermath. Just because Off Campus is self-rated 16 doesn’t guarantee your older teens will be comfortable with the material. If someone in your whānau has or intends to watch Off Campus, keep the dialogue open, respectful, and ongoing. It may present an appropriate opportunity to have a meaningful discussion around informed consent and healthy boundaries.

Further reading

Off Campus (featured decision)

Talking with young people about what they're watching

Downloadable resources for parents and caregivers