PEDIATRICS Vol. 83 No. 2 February 1989, pp. 314-315
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow P3Rs: Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when P3Rs are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow E-mail this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to My File Cabinet
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via CrossRef
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation

Impact of Rock Lyrics and Music Videos on Children and Youth

COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS

Rock music has undergone dramatic changes since its introduction 30 years ago and is an issue of vital interest and concern for parents and pediatricians.

Rock music lyrics have become increasingly explicit during the last two decades—particularly with reference to sex and drugs. Some lyrics communicate potentially harmful health messages. These lyrics are of special concern in today's environment, which poses unprecedented threats to the health and well-being of adolescents, including pregnancy, drug use, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (and other sexually transmitted diseases), accidents, and suicide.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly opposes censorship. According to the Federal Communications Commission, the public owns the airways, which are leased back to radio and television stations that are obligated to produce programming in the public's best interest. Good taste and self-regulation by consumers, media, and the music industry would be appropriate and effective solutions.

The AAP, therefore, recommends that:

1. The public, and parents in particular, be made aware of sexually explicit, drug-oriented, or violent lyrics on records and tapes.

2. Broadcasters and the music industry be encouraged to demonstrate good taste and self-restraint in decisions regarding what is produced and allowed to be broadcast.

3. Rock performers be reminded that they can serve as positive role models for children and teenagers.

4. The AAP and other concerned organizations encourage parents to take a more active role in monitoring music to which their children are exposed.

5. Local coalitions of pediatricians, educators, and parents discuss the effects of the media on children and teenagers.

6. Research concerning the impact rock music has on the behavior of adolescents and preadolescents be developed and supported.




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 PediatricsHome page
M. Rich and M. Bar-on
Child Health in the Information Age: Media Education of Pediatricians
Pediatrics, January 1, 2001; 107(1): 156 - 162.
[Abstract] [Full Text]

Home page
 Journal of Black StudiesHome page
P. D. Hall
The Relationship Between Types of Rap Music and Memory in African American Children
Journal of Black Studies, July 1, 1998; 28(6): 802 - 814.
[PDF]