Know What Your Child Watches and Listens To

by SAMHSA

Music often is described as "the universal language" - everyone everywhere can relate to the message of music. Some people listen to music to relieve stress and anxiety, and doctors and therapists are using music therapy to treat some illnesses and to change behavior. Music can affect our emotions. Sometimes musical pieces remind us of events in our lives and can cause us to feel joy or sadness, even years after the event.

The impact of music on the mind is said to be so great that listening to music that constantly repeats violent words and phrases etches those ideas in the mind. This can cause the listener to act out what he has heard - more so for young people with immature minds. For this reason, adults should carefully monitor the music their children listen to for violent and other negative messages. Music and musical artists can influence your child's behavior greatly - including the way he thinks, talks, and even the clothes he chooses to wear.

A recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report, "Marketing Violent Entertainment to Children: A Review of Self-Regulation and Industry Practices in the Motion Picture, Music Recording, and Electronic Game Industries," found that the entertainment industry was specifically targeting children under 17 in their marketing. They market their products in places that teens visit more than adults, and many parents don't know how much violence and other negative content are in some kids' entertainment. There have been some positive changes since this report was first published, but caring adults have to remain watchful. Some best-selling musical artists still are glamorizing negative behaviors, like illegal drug use, racism, and sexism.

What To Do ...

So how do you handle it when your child wants to buy the latest CD, DVD, or music video that everyone's talking about? One answer is to help your child make good, safe choices that she can enjoy without feeling separate from her peer group.

1. Plan trips to the music store with your child so you can check out music tracks together. If you don't approve of a CD's contents, say why and help your child to choose something else that you both agree on - not something that's your own personal choice.

2. Try renting (or borrowing) music videos before you buy them. That way, you can view the video's content and make a decision without spending a lot and then finding out you don't approve of it.

3. Monitor what your child does on the Internet - this has become a main source for acquiring music. There are Internet sites that provide music download services for free or a small membership fee. Anyone who owns the right computer software and equipment can burn CDs and download MP3 music files.

4. Children can be flexible. Broaden your child's tastes and understanding of music when she is younger. Introduce her to different types of music and musical styles by taking her to concerts or encouraging her to learn to play a musical instrument. You will have something in common, and you will be able to enjoy music together as a family.

Is It Music to the Ears?

Be aware that the high volume at which your child listens to his music could cause a health problem. Loud music can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss - extremely loud music and noise that goes on for long periods of time are common causes of deafness. Wearing earplugs will offer some protection at concerts and other public events. Headphones are fine if the volume isn't too high, but they should not be used for long periods. You are not always with your child when he listens to music, but it is important to keep reminding him about the danger of listening to music at high volume levels.

Young people have their own unique methods of musical expression, and it is not all bad. If you recall, your parents may have had concerns about your musical tastes when you were young. It's all part of the growing up process. Be patient while you try to stay on top of things.

About the Author

www.samhsa.gov
SAMHSA works to improve the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, alcohol and drug addiction treatment, and mental health services. Includes links to support groups, information resources, events and articles.