by C.D. Crowder

Created on: November 04, 2008   Last Updated: November 13, 2008

Parents and teens will always disagree on music. After all, it's two separate generations with completely different sounds. However, should teens be able to listen to anything they want? How much control should parents really have to censor their teen's music?

~Negative Influences

Music can greatly influence the emotions and actions of its listeners. Teens are especially susceptible to the slightest influences. Teens are always looking for something they can relate to, someone who understands. Often times, they find this in music. However, it's not always a positive message they relate to. This can affect how they act, how they speak, who they hang out with, and how they do in school. This is when parents need to step in.

~The Rebel

Teens are notorious for rebelling against authority. Some music can act as a catalyst for their rebellion. The lyrics and the videos make the rock/rap star life sound incredible. This isn't the life for a teen. Rebelling a little may be healthy, but trying to act like the latest music idol takes rebelling a bit too far.

~Compromise

Parents need to be able to monitor and control, at least to some extent, what their teen listens to. Just as a parent needs to teach their child or teen right from wrong, they need to make sure their teen isn't getting the wrong ideas from music. Parents shouldn't be able to completely control everything a teen listens to, but they should be able to ban foul language, derogatory lyrics, and extreme violence from their teen's music collection.

With all the music available, there is plenty for a teen to listen to without it being constant filth. Until a teen moves out of their parents' house, parents should be able to help guide their teen on the path to being a decent adult. Parents just need to remember to compromise a little. Control music based on how the teen reacts to it, not because you don't like the beat, volume, or style. Keep in mind that styles change over the years.

For the safety of teens, which are so easily influenced, parents should have at least some control over their teen's music choices. Teens may not understand right away, but they will find better music because of their parents' intervention. It's important for parents to always monitor what their teen listens to and any changes due to the music. By having control over their teen's music choices, they may very well prevent their teen from traveling down the wrong path in life.

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