I spent almost two hours trying to figure out what the top shows are that teens are watching….without success. If school weren’t out, I could have asked them themselves!
After seeing certain shows pop up a lot, I went to Commonsense Media’s website to read descriptions of the shows. I can recommend the site for that purpose, but honestly I didn’t agree with their age recommendations for shows. In my book, certain shows should not be allowed to embed their values in ANY young person’s mind. I wouldn’t watch some of them as an adult!
Here are 3 shows teens seem to think are hot…and a quote from the website:
Pretty Little Liars – “[Teens] engage in lots of naughty behavior like theft, defying parents’ rules, breaking and entering, and general cattiness.” “Teen sexuality — including a main character’s homosexuality and a teen’s love affair with her high-school teacher — makes for some intense physical encounters that stop just before the act itself (although it’s referenced later).”
Awkward – “Parents need to know that steamy simulated sex, innuendo, euphemisms (“riding his joystick,” for example), body-related slang (“hooters,” “cooch,” and “p—y”), and strong language (“s–t” and “f–k” are censored; “ass,” “bitch,” and “damn” are audible) are common fare….” “Teens engage in casual physical encounters (expect to see everything but full-on genital nudity).” “…snarky meanness from social divas.”
Teen Wolf – “violence is it’s main concern” and “Teen relationships yield mostly mild physical contact.”
Parents…what are YOUR teens watching? I’d love to see comments here on the shows that make you uncomfortable, and how you handle that in your home. Do you ban any shows? Channels? Discuss shows that you watch together? Make sure the only TVs are in the family room, rather than your teen’s bedroom? You might use Commonsense Media’s search box to search the shows that you know are on at your house. Become informed, Mom and Dad. And if necessary, put your foot down if you just really don’t want your teen getting their values from certain shows,