What age is this video appropriate for?
We recommend this video for kids aged 10 and up. The engineering content is excellent and the moral message is positive, but the frequent bleeped profanity from caught thieves and the depiction of real car break-ins make it better suited for older children who can process that context.
Is there bad language in this video?
Yes, there is a significant amount of profanity, though it is all bleeped out. The swearing comes almost entirely from package thieves reacting to the glitter bomb, not from Mark Rober himself. Parents of younger or more sensitive children should be aware the bleeping is frequent throughout the second half of the video.
Is this video educational?
Yes, it has strong educational value. Mark Rober explains real engineering concepts including pneumatic systems, hall effect sensors, centrifugal force, rack-and-pinion mechanics, and iterative design — all in a fun and accessible way. He also promotes creative problem-solving as a learnable skill.
Does the video contain any advertising or sponsored content?
Yes, there are two sponsored segments. One is a brief mention of Protolabs, a manufacturing company that helped make custom parts, and the other is a more extended promotion for Mark Rober's paid creative engineering course at monthly.com. He also promotes his own merchandise. These are woven into the video rather than clearly labeled as ads.
Is there any violence in this video?
There is no physical violence toward people. However, one segment shows real car windows being smashed by thieves in San Francisco, which some younger children may find alarming. The 'violence' in the video is mostly playful — boxing gloves popping a lid off a box — and is clearly comedic in tone.
Does this video send a good message to kids?
Yes, the core message is clearly anti-theft: stealing is wrong, and clever people can hold wrongdoers accountable. Mark Rober also frames engineering as a superpower anyone can learn, which is an empowering and positive message for young viewers interested in science and technology.
