Should I allow my barely 13 year old daughter watch MTV and VH1?

Question

She's an 'A' student and a good kid, but says we are too restrictive.
We are looking for ways to "loosen the leash" a little without putting her at risk for bad behavior. She knows about sex, and it's all over the media, but my gut says "no". I don't watch much TV, but I don't like what I've seen on those channels. Am I too strict?
Thanx,
john

Answer 1

As with anything, "garbage in, garbage out."

Yes you're too strict. Keep it up - she already gets enough exposure to sex, violence, and drugs at school, and on regular TV.

There's a reason she's an "A" student and a "good kid," and the fact that you're worried about her is pretty much it.

No kids ever went to their parent and said "Mom, Dad, I love you and all, but you've gotta stop letting me smoke, drink, and screw around 'cause it's really interfering with the serious school work I should be doing right now!"

Answer 2

If you sit with her and find out what she thinks, and tell her about morals and values that you want to intill in here without lectures. Mostly no, because I personally can't stand all the Jerry Springer like trash/reality tv is on nowadays and people's loss of self-respect. It is one thing to have a sitcom like Arrested Development. But when it is all fights and sex ... it is just too much. Try to get her to watch the interesting stuff on History, Science, etc. channels. It may sound cheesy, but if you can get her to watch something like Star Trek Next Generation, it has an idealistic society and instills the value of everyone being equal and working together to achieve a greater goal. I grew up on that and I am rather peaceful. I couldn't imagine watching the junk on tv now. But, to each their own, and it is ok, as long as you don't park her there and let her be. Say when something is unacceptable or wrong. Kids learn a lot from their parents when they are there. When they aren't they learn what they watch. Same with video games, books, anything for that matter.

Answer 3

Im 13 almost 14 and i watch both channels but I get bored with them really quickly. Most of the time its just retarted people in thier 20's cussing at each other. My parents dont really care, Im an A+ student and im mature enough to understand what Im watching. Your not too strict, just block certain shows on those channels or make sure she understands what shes allowed to watch what she isnt allowed to watch. I only watch MTV for TRL.

Answer 4

Good luck with keeping her away from it, but I say you are on the right track. So many of the videos glorify the thug life, and value possessions over doing the right thing (to put it mildly).
I don't let my 13 year old watch them either, she and her 9 year old sister don't get to see that kind of stuff.
When you have the wanna be gangsters (or actual gangsters) strutting around, smacking women on the butt, wearing more gold than some countries have in their treasury it sends a bad message.
If your kid watches that at other people's houses, you may have a problem, but you don't have to condone it at home. It is just good parenting, like watching what websites they go to.
Be strict, they may gripe now, but they'll benefit from parents with boundaries which are a super idea.
I spent too many years involved with kids whose parents had set NO boundaries as a police officer. One of the kids we dealt with had a mother who actually ended up embezzling from her job to keep her son's lawyers paid.. talk about the wrong idea.
You are choosing the high road and it isn't the easiest, just the best.

Answer 5

I think you should allow your teenage daughter to watch MTV and VH1.
There is nothing wrong with that although some hip hop artists in vh1 dress inappropirately. I think you are being a little too strict.

Answer 6

Unless you want to desensitize her to what is way overly sexualized, then NO.
They create an unreal world that plays on girl's insecurities and has no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
Always go with your gut, and remember, wherever you choose to draw the line, that is where you make a stand.
You will always be challenged-it's your responsibility to not back down when you know it's not in her best interests, and you sound like you already know that.
You are not too strict, look at it this way: Would you invite these people on TV to be in your child's company in real life?
Then carry it over & remember not to invite them into your home on the Tube either.
You sound like an awesome parent who is teaching his child to value where she puts her time and energy.

Answer 7

I have struggled with the same issue and settled it like this.. I am opinionated about what we see, I say things like, doesnt she look fabulous? I wish this sort of stuff wasnt only for tv,(im a mum but!) imagine how ridiculous you'd look in that at woolies? Hahaha! You have too understand the awesomeness of it all the glitzy attractive beautiful side, all girls at 10 - 15 wont to look like a video clip its our job to understand the appeal don't slam what the think is cool too hard! But at the same time point out that the pussycat dolls wear trackies to do the groceries too!

Answer 8

To be honest, the more you try to protect your children the more they rebel, your best to let her do little things like that, I know its hard but she is barelt a teenager & probably wishes she was older, you can only warn her of all the bad things, if you try & stoper her, she will rebel, if you talk to her like she is an adult she will respect your wishes more, & grow up to be a smart young girl. If she doesnt see or hear it from you or with you, she will while she is at school or her friends, & it will be worse, just let her know you will always be there if she has any questions, & tell her not to be scared to come to you for anything. Now dont get me wrong, I am not saying let her go clubbing or hang with friends till real late, but MTV is completely different.
Good luck...

Answer 9

Let her!! Its the best fu.ckin channel ever.. I just turned 13 december 11th and like I've been watching MTV, MTV2 and VH1 since I was about 10.. its the only channels that can keep my attention for more than 2 minutes..

Answer 10

Yes and no. Yes, you're too strict and I don't think it'll promote bad behavior, but I think it will promote the dumb mentality that comes from MTV & VH1. It's just bubblegum trash TV.