Does anyone else think "Kid Nation" is borderline child abuse?

Question

I watched it last night. I know I probably should boycott as it offends me, but I don't think it would make any difference. I am curious to see just how far we as a society are willing to let our kids suffer for the sake of entertainment.

Please, when they had to kill the chickens they put a warning up about it not being appropriate for children. Hmm. How about the kids who are standing right there?

What kind of parent lets their 8 or 9 year old go off to live in a freezing cold wasteland by themselves?

I am not offended by the idea of killing chickens; I grew up on a farm. It was just ironic that they felt the need to include that warning to the children who might be viewing, but not for the children on site who actually witnessed the event. I am offended that they did it specifically to uspet the kids and cause drama. It seems like they are using the same psychological techniques they use on all of the reality shows to create drama and cause friction.
It is also clear that they chose an incredible group of kids. They all seem like very bright and advanced kids. But they are still kids. There are adults there. You could tell when the biggest kid started shoving one of the littler kids around. They all looked at the adult cameraman, waiting for him to step in. He didn't.

And of course kids would want to go. Kids would also want to eat candy until they puke and stay up all night. To me this doesn’t mean it is a good idea. There are reasons children are in a "protected"

Answer 1

Yeah I was kind of curious about this show too. I heard on the radio that there were questions about it even airing because it was getting in trouble with child labor laws and child abuse. But apparently the parents had to sign a waiver saying that the show is not responsible for accidental pregnancy, stds or even death. Now what parent in their right mind would sign something like that. Some of the kids on the show were already treated for burns from cooking with hot oil and poisoning because they drank some sort of chemical. I heard that the show is already casting for the next season but they had to go outside of the united states because child labor laws are too strict here. Can you believe that?

Answer 2

Interesting comments.... my 11 year old son watched it (with me) and he loved it. He kept focusing on the fact that they had to set up a society and run stores, cook, clean, etc. The chicken thing? Come on people, my grandmother used to wring chicken's necks all the time so that the family could eat. They have to eat, don't they?

My son did not seem warped, confused, angry, or upset in any way by this show. He actually thought that would be really cool to do. Sometimes parents can be over-protective. I am sure that the parents who have let their children be cast on this show considered all of the options when making the decision. It is not for us to judge them or their parenting skills.

Answer 3

As far as child abuse, well look at the parents that let thier kids do it. I wouldn't let my 8 almost 9 year old do it.

As entertainment, well I watched the first 1/2 of the first episode and was bored to death. I doubt the show will last, but all the controversary surrounding it is sure to help with the ratings.

Answer 4

How soft we've become. What do you think life was like for Pioneer children? Or modern children growing up on a farm?

By the way, these kids aren't any more "alone" than the kids on "Endurance" are really off by themselves. It's all in the camera angles. Plus, they ask them hourly if they want to call it quits and go home.

Answer 5

When my kids heard about that show they were begging me to be on it. As I kid, I would have jumped at the chance myself.

I know my 9yr old wouldn't be able to make it through but my 11 yr old would have a blast out there. I don't know what the cut off age is but my 14yr old would be in there like a dirty shirt.

As for killing chickens - good grief. Kids on farms do it all the time. My mother grew up killing chickens from the time she was 6 and up. How on earth is that abuse? Kids used to have to help hunt for food. Abuse??? Come on.

Answer 6

The kids are not alone. I watched it last night and when it showed a girl walking away from the chicken coop, you could see in the background a barn. In this barn there were people walking around. I am sure there is a lot of camara crew around and all the kids are perfectly safe. It seems like a big camping trip to me.

Answer 7

Nope. I love it and I am sooo incredibly impressed with how these kids are making such grown up decisions. I am amazed at how much these kids know from their lives before this and how well prepared some of them seem to be. I am also so impressed with those are homesick and choosing to stay. As far as killing the chickens goes, they did not focus on the axe actually going through the chickens the neck. I think it is important for kids to know where their food comes from. It doesn't just go from an egg, to clucking, and then to your plate. It's a fact of life that we have to kill animals if we want meat. Today's society and norms have made what our ancestors went through so far removed from us that many of us cannot relate. This show is so cool bc these kids are learning valuable lessons about themselves, each other, and the world around them. I have no problem with it and have not seen one thing that makes me think they are being exploited.

BTW - these kids are earning money for college as rewards. This is a great way to give deserving and amazing kids that otherwise wouldn't get the opportunity, the chance to shine and have a great future.

If you watch it, you are likely to be amazed at how they handle their conflicts. In almost every situation, someone has suggested something that I wouldn't have thought of! Kids are bright and ingenous and I find nothing wrong with this program as long as no one is photographed unclothed, etc. or injured in some way (as in other than a pure accident).

Sorry - one more note. Do you really want a child that is so sheltered from life that they can't stand to see something die? Dying IS a fact of life and in this day and age, it is simply not a good idea to NOT prepare our children for a day when they may have to make difficult decisions outside our presence. I would bet that watching a chicken get killed FOR FOOD is a lot less bad an influence than watching Sponge Bob try to dispose of a dead body on his silly cartoon.... (an episode that my 7 yr old nephew roared at... I'd much rather he'd have seen this show than that.)

soapbox - sorry. :) good question tho!!!! and no offense, but I just disagree! :)

Answer 8

OK - kids have killed chickens before - I have killed chickens when io was younger on my aunts farm, and plucked them for dinner
Food wasn't always in the fridge wrapped in plastic.

2nd - do you REALLY think what they show on TV is what really happens day in and day out? HELLOOOO it's TV - it's for Ratings and it's mostly FAKE!

3rd - I saw some of these kids on the Today show - they said that they were NEVER alone, as there was a production crew of about 100 people there at all times

Some people!

Answer 9

I wonder the same thing! What kind of self-respecting, loving parent would allow their children to go through that? It looks like torture to me! The kids are hungry, they cry and don't get along.
I don't see how that is teaching them anything about the real world. I'm a big advocate for allowing children to be children as long as they can. Their innocence is so precious - let them hang onto that as long as possible.

Answer 10

I am surprise that any parent let there children under 12 go on the show
I do not let my seven year old past three houses with me outside
I would never let my child do this