Ratings schmatings

28 Jun, 2011 Education Guide

Last week, Common Sense Media released its 10 worst TV role models – a list specifically devoted to what children are learning from TV characters.I expected fun kid faves like Strawberry Shortcake and Candace (from Phineas and Ferb), and I wasn’t shocked by Snooki – or even Tyra Banks. Discussing these personalities gives parents relevant opportunities to talk about body image and drinking with their kids. And they’re shows that – for better or for worse – kids tend to watch.

At #8 on the list I did a double take: Nancy Botwin from Weeds (TV-MA). In case you’re not familiar with this suburban mom-turned drug dealer-turned murderess, she’s not exactly kid fare. I get that every 11-year-old knows Jersey Shore (whether they’ve watched it or not). But Weeds?

Then, over the weekend I got a giant dose of reality. Sitting next to me at the 10 pm show of Hangover 2 (R) was a 9-year-old kid. Next to him: Two more kids in the 8 to 11 range (mind you, I didn’t ask any of the kids their ages, but they were Y-O-U-N-G). These three kids were accompanied by two adults (their parents?). And this family was not alone. As previews started to roll, the nearly packed theater was about 20 percent kids who looked about 11 years old or younger. In this hilarious movie for adults, the part about the Bangkok prostitute was what I most wish kids weren’t seeing. The kids next to me were laughing and seemed to enjoy the movie, but I kept wondering what they were thinking, and how much they understood.

So here’s my question: Am I being old fashioned? I promise – no judgment. Would you let your tween (or younger child) watch a show featuring dope-dealing soccer moms or Thai sex workers? If not, what age would be appropriate?

Just looking for a reality check…

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