Miley Cyrus Tops the List of Worst Celebrity Role Models for Kids

Thanks to her wild child ways, Miley Cyrus is a favorite of tweens and teens — but the bane of parents, a new poll suggests. (Photo: Getty Images)

She’s set to host MTV’s Video Music Awards on Sunday — but that’s not the only reason Miley Cyrus is making headlines right now.

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This tongue-thrusting provocateur has just been named the No. 1 celebrity parents hope their kids don’t grow up to be like, according to a new survey from U.K. coupon site Vouchercloud.

The survey asked 2,287 British moms and dads, all of who had at least one child under age 10, if there were any pop icons they would hate for their children to idolize. They were then given a list of male and female stars and asked to choose as many as they wanted.

When it came to the female celebs, 78 percent of parents put Cyrus first, followed by Nicki Minaj in second place with 54 percent of parents disapproving. Kim Kardashian ranked third, with 43 percent.

The worst male celebrity role model turned out to be Kanye West; 56 percent of moms and dads gave him the thumbs-down. Justin Bieber and One Direction’s Zayn Malik nabbed second and third place, respectively, with 55 percent and 41 percent of parents listing these two pop icons.

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Who did the parents pick as the most positive role models? Kate Middleton was No. 1 in the female category, even edging out squeaky-clean Taylor Swift. Actor Ed Sheeran and One Direction heartthrob Harry Styles were ranked first and second for idol-worthy male celebs.

Of course, tweens and teens have always been drawn to the pop stars their parents and other adults rail against. Trying to convince a child that proper Kate Middleton is more worth emulating than provocative Miley Cyrus is almost a lost cause, since kids seek out role models they feel speak to their age group only.

“The teenage years are marked by confusion, fear, rebellion, and anger,” licensed marriage and family therapist Paul Hokemeyer tells Yahoo Parenting. “It’s a time when kids are separating from their families and finding their place in the world. To do this, they look for role models and peer groups that resonate with them.”

But unlike with older generations, teens today risk more easily falling under the influence of celebrities because they can follow their every move, thanks to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

“Often, kids may follow a celebrity’s social media accounts, which may mean they have constant updates about what a celebrity is doing,” psychotherapist Amy Morin, author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, tells Yahoo Parenting. “Sometimes, kids spend more time focusing on their celebrity role models than they do spending time with real-life friends.”

For parents who are concerned that Cyrus and other stars might have too much influence over their kids, these strategies can help dial it back. “Ask your kids questions about why they like particular celebrities, and listen without passing judgment,” suggests Morin. You might find out that they’re not so into the celebrity herself, but they simply like her music or style.

Also, point out specific concerns you may have about the way a celebrity behaves, says Morin. In other words, if Cyrus pulls a controversy-courting stunt at the VMAs this weekend (as she did when she hosted the show in 2013 with her twerk seen round the world), talk, but don’t lecture, about why it’s objectionable to you.

It’s also important to discuss how media portrayals in general aren’t realistic. “For example, explain how magazine photos edit out celebrity’s flaws, and discuss how celebrities may portray themselves in a certain light in an effort to gain public attention,” says Morin.

And finally, keep in mind that no matter how into a star your child may seem, the most influential role model in their life is a parent. “Kids learn by watching their parents,” she adds, “so if you serve as a healthy real-life role model, you’ll maintain the biggest influence over your children.”

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