Whether teens watch this episode or not is an individual family's decision. After all, that's why Common Sense Media exists -- to give families the information they need to make good choices for their kids. We believe in sanity, not censorship. But where's the sanity in showing mature sexual interactions in shows targeted at teens -- like Gossip Girl or Heroes (look for Hayden Panettiere's character to be kissed by her female roommate in an upcoming episode)?
Pop culture profoundly impacts kids' attitudes, aspirations, and values. It normalizes behaviors and acts like a super peer. And just as my son is beginning his dating life, he's confronting images and behaviors that he simply doesn't need to see. But I'm stumped about what possible lesson I could draw from this -- except that in the age of the Internet, struggling TV shows will do just about anything to attract eyeballs.
Bottom line? I still have to be involved in my teen's entertainment and technology life so that I can continue to guide and discuss and help him make sense of what the other parent in his life -- pop culture -- tells him is acceptable and fun.
How would you handle this TV moment?
