Kids and Reality TV

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

03 Nov 2006 10:11 AM

I'm sure you are familiar with the many hits reality television shows have taken from media critics and from children advocacy groups. Some groups have gone so far as to describe reality TV shows as "Gutter TV." Which is why I was shocked when I learned that one parents' watchdog group recently made a "surprising announcement." The group released a report that says it considers some reality shows to be among the best things for kids to watch.

The Parents Television Council recently announced its picks for the "Best of Reality TV." Topping the list was: "American Idol," followed by "Dancing with the Stars" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." Even "Survivor" got the green light from the parents' group, along with "Deal or No Deal," "America's Got Talent," and "American Inventor" (which will return in Spring '07).

How was the list complied? The group says it researched the Nielsen's list of the 20 most-watched programs among children. (By the way, the group said that none of the scripted shows in the top 20 is appropriate for children, because of the high levels of sex, violence and profanity.) It then ranked each show individually from "best to worst." The group says it based its picks on an "objective quantitative and qualitative analysis of the frequency and explicitness of foul language, sexual content, and violence present in each series." (Basically it looked for shows that illustrated positive values and wholesome content.) The group said it also took into consideration time slot, target audience, themes and plotlines of each program it rated.

Nine shows that flunked the Parents Television Council's test include "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy." Five others labeled "questionably suitable" by the group include, "The Simpsons" and "Biggest Loser."

The Parents Television Council also issued a warning to moms and dads: beware of primetime cartoons, including "Family Guy" or "American Dad." They maintain that those two are "among the worst when it comes to pushing the limits of decency with heavy sexual innuendo, sexual themes, and coarse language."

Do your kids watch reality TV shows? Which are their favorites? Do you agree with the group's findings?

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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