“Music lyrics have undergone dramatic changes since the introduction of rock music more than 40 years ago. This is an issue of vital interest and concern for parents and pediatricians.” American Academy of Pediatrics

As an adolescent psychiatrist for over thirty years, I have been asked over-and-over about the influence that music has on teenagers. The concerns that parents have about today’s music are very real. Parents worry about the suggestive nature of the lyrics and the influence it will have on their children. Even worse, parents are scared that the music might be harming their children.

For the most part, listening to music is a healthy, relaxing and very natural thing. Teenagers listen to music for a host of reasons. For many of them music is at the center of their lives socially and culturally and listening to music is important to fitting in.

I think music reveals a lot about a person and can be a window to one’s soul. It can help quieter teenagers to express themselves, and it can express emotions that tempestuous adolescents may not be able to voice.

It is difficult for parents to hear songs about drugs, nirvana, suicide, gangs, racism, sexism, and sex. It is scary to think that your child is taking those lyrics to heart. Teenagers experiment with different types of music, and often much of it is just a phase. Remember, the songs that you listened to in high school that your parents thought were suggestive? Most likely your parents weren’t happy when you were listening and singing those lyrics either.

As with many other trends, the music phase will pass without any lasting damage. Music only becomes a concern when your teenager is manifesting other emotional difficulties and is using music-listening to get away from problems, to substitute for real-life activities, or to accompany a depressive withdrawal. In these cases, the music is giving your teenager a message about depression, severe social problems, drug use, and even suicide plans and parents must intervene. Parents should not turn off the music. Instead, learn about the music. Today you can find the lyrics to almost any song on the Internet, so GOOGLE the artist and the song. That is the best way to assess the lyrics. Then have a discussion about it with your son or daughter. You will get a glimpse of what is bothering your teenager and then, if necessary, you can seek required help. Click here for recommendations from Common Sense Media to help you talk with your teenager about the music they are choosing to listen to.

Disclaimer
This blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.