In a day when television sets are a main source of entertainment for families, a question for parents everywhere is: Are the stars my child is idolizing really good role models? The answer wholly depends on what you consider a good role model and which star you are talking about.
Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato Set Dubious Examples
With tween stars like Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato making headlines, odds are many parents are shying away from labeling these ladies good role models. First off, Miley Cyrus was in the news recently supposedly drinking beer in Spain. This is a red flag for parents across the globe that though the shows the young star appears on are geared for children, her activities outside of the Disney Channel are not so savory.
Demi Lovato on the other hand has been at the center of the rumor mill after checking herself into rehab earlier this month for a bevy of undisclosed reasons. Reporters and gossip mongers alike have been speculating on the causes for the star's checking herself in and many agree that it is likely due to self-mutilation and eating disorders that the star has reportedly suffered from in the past.
Other stars on the Disney network are still holding strong as great role models for children, like Selena Gomez and other stars that are beacons of good behavior. The problem with putting children in the limelight to grow up is that the public will see each and every thing that they go through and each stage that they have to deal with to become the adults that they are destined to be.
Teen Stars under Scrutiny
By placing pressure on these young stars to be perfect role models, the public is creating an unrealistic idea of them that makes any action they do that does not adhere to set standards seem horrible and wrong. Though it is not right for a star to think that just because they were put in the limelight at a young age that they can act how they want, it is completely unfair of the public to expect them to be perfect all the time.
In some instances yes, these stars are good role models, and in others they are horrible role models. This is when it becomes the duty of the parent to figure out just what they want their child to see and what is inappropriate for their children. By putting the emphasis on the good things that these child stars do parents will be able to encourage their children to act responsibly rather than putting a stigma on these stars for the things that parents don’t want their children doing.
Works Cited
- Ann Lu, Miley Cyrus, 17 Seen Drinking Beer in Spain, Allheadlinenews.com
- Lindsay Goldwert, What is cutting? Demi Lovato, Disney star, checks into rehab for self-mutilation, eating disorder, NY Daily News
Lauren Shain-Raque - I am a college student majoring in history who loves to write and is seeking out freelance opportunities to help finance the rest of my ...
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