by Simon Wright

Created on: October 25, 2008   Last Updated: November 04, 2008

In general, censorship tends to be counterproductive and dangerous and something that we associate more with dictatorships than with free societies. However, having said that, there are instances with regards to children where we do choose to apply controls and where this may be justified. There will always be conflict between parents and teenagers over certain things and music tends to be one of the battle grounds. In this article, I'll outline some of the arguments that can be made in favour of parental control.

1. Violent lyrics and/or bad language:

There are some bands whose lyrics express violent viewpoints and/or contain bad language. Rap music and heavy metal are probably the two genres that have attracted the most criticism in this regard. I'd argue that most of the bands in this genre are harmless and the worst that may happen when listening to their music is the threat of impaired hearing! However, there is no doubt that there are some bands (and songs) that express violent misogynist or racist lyrics or otherwise objectionable content.

We can't, of course, control the music that teens listen to when they're at friends homes or at discos but you do have the option of prohibiting them from listening to objectionable music whilst they're under your roof. However, rather than going in heavy-handed with a blanket ban, it's always advisable firstly to speak to them and try to explain why you are concerned over the music. It is always more effective to convince your son or daughter that you are right rather than simply to throw about your parental power. Ultimately, though, you have a right not to be subjected to music that you find objectionable in your own home, so the ultimate sanction is to ban them from playing such songs.

You may also feel, with some justification, that listening to debatable music may result in the misogynist, racist or homophobic attitudes rubbing off on your kids. The difficult bit, though, is protecting them without causing them to rebel against you. A teenager who may have only had a mild affiliation with the latest shock rap band may suddenly develop a fervent devotion to them, simply because you have said they can't listen to their music!

2. Music that clashes with your culture or belief systems:

I suppose the main thing that comes under this category is the sensitive issue of religious beliefs. Muslim families may be opposed to female singers who bare lots of flesh. Christian parents are sometimes opposed to music that they see

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