What Teens Say About Violence in Music
By Teresa Ambord
Violence in today's music encourages violent behavior. That's an opinion. But you might be surprised to learn whose opinion it is. In a survey of teenagers, 54 percent said that the violence portrayed in music and on TV could lead to violence in life.
Most teens list music as their favorite after-school activity, and on the average, they listen to three to five hours of it per day. Though there is no definitive proof that teenagers who become violent do so because of music, teens believe there is a cause and effect relationship. Sixty-six percent say that they believe violent music contributed to the crimes committed at Colorado's Columbine High School in 1999 by two disgruntled teenagers.
There is some evidence to suggest a connection between teens who are drawn to heavy metal music and those who feel alienated, indulge in substance abuse, and risky behavior, and are suicide risks. But the evidence seems to show not that the music leads to the behavior so as much as the fact that kids who are already struggling with these issues are drawn to music that portrays violence as a solution.
Music is Only Entertainment... How Can it Affect Behavior?
Again, there is no measurable proof to say that there is a connection. But critics make a compelling argument. Repetition, they say, is the key. That's why advertisers use jingles that get in your head and play over and over. Some popular music, especially heavy metal and rap music glorify violence and drive their messages home by repeating the same themes of murder, suicide, Satan worship, sexual violence, and substance abuse. With enough exposure and reinforcement, even the most bizarre behavior can begin to seem normal. If violence in music affects behavior, music videos have even more potential. Researchers agree that when lyrics are reinforced by visual images, the affect is magnified, and clarified. If any of the lyrics were unintelligible or maybe ambiguous to young teens, that lack of understanding is cleared up as the sentiments are acted out on the screen. Teens more often name musicians as their heroes than athletes or others. And they say they are more influenced by music than by either books or religion. Obviously, if they are listening to music like heavy metal that glorifies violence, the influence is not desirable.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that teenagers can develop distorted concepts about conflict and see violence as a solution. If repetition drives home the message, the message had better be good. While most fans of heavy metal music are not at risk, those who are troubled could very well be. These are the teenagers who are more prone to be attracted by substance abuse, casual sex, and thoughts of suicide.
The music industry targets teens as a market for violent and explicit lyrics. They advertise in teen magazine and in TV shows with large teenager audiences, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
So What Can Parents Do?
Obviously there is no one answer. But an excellent start is for parents to be aware of the music their kids listen to and the videos they watch. If there are younger kids in the house, regulate where your teens can play their music and videos. The choice of music alone may not be cause for alarm, but watch for other signs that your teens feel alienated or are abusing alcohol or drugs or participating in other risky behavior. Most of all, though it's seldom easy, do whatever you can to keep communication channels open, not so you can spy on your kids, but with a little persistence you might gain some insight into your teen's state of mind.
