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The Music Made Me Do It
How Much Influence Does Music Have on Teens?
By Carma Haley Shoemaker
In the midst of all the controversy, what can parents do to ensure their child is not exposed to explicit or inappropriate music? According to Batties, there is only so much a parent can do. "Teens are not with their parents twenty-four-seven," she says. "They go out with their friends, they go to school, they may work and they may be at another parents house. So, unless your child is confined to his or her room, they will be exposed to what you find obscene, inappropriate or explicit."
As concern grows regarding teen exposure to explicit song lyrics, the amount of conflict between teens and their parents grows, too. By discussing the issues that these song lyrics convey, parents can ensure that they are teaching their teens right from wrong.
According to Gross, it is not the explicit lyrics that should be of concern; it is whether or not the teens know what behaviors are inappropriate. "Parents begin teaching their children right from wrong at a very early age," she explains. "When they hit others, throw things, run out in the road or reach for a hot stove we tell them, 'no' or explain why these things are wrong. These lessons continue as a child grows and by the time they are in their teen years, they know that things such as using drugs or alcohol, beating someone, rape and murder are wrong. And if they know these things are wrong – and parents reinforce these life lessons – music, music videos and song lyrics are not going to make them practice such acts."