| When children are young, it is easy to control the | | | | an outlet for emotional issues or traumatic events as |
| type of music they listen to. Mostly, children listen to | | | | life progresses. |
| what the parents do. Parents may choose to listen | | | | However, much like all good things, inevitably, you will |
| to music written specifically for kids, but at other | | | | also find the bad. |
| times, the family may listen to whoever set the | | | | Many artists express their feelings through morbid |
| stereo station last. | | | | and perverse metaphors and talk about dark taboo |
| The question becomes: Is Rock music safe for | | | | subjects. These artists have a breathtaking talent |
| children? | | | | that people should be open to, but they are simply |
| Nearly all the best-selling albums of all time are Rock. | | | | not for children. |
| But is this 'rebellious' genre of music having a positive | | | | Parental advisories can't always be trusted. For |
| or negative impact on children and society? | | | | instance, the songs 'Digital Bath' and 'Lhabia' by |
| As with just about every subject, there are many | | | | Deftones talks about a daydream of grisly |
| pros and cons. | | | | melancholic acts, acted out of boredom. This album |
| The fact is: Rock is a form of art that promotes | | | | has no parental advisory on it at all. Yet, that same |
| creativity and expression. Many songs have very | | | | band has songs against drugs, racism, and other |
| poetic lyrics and send off great messages to people. | | | | positive influences, but is also not for young children. |
| A big message sent through music these days is | | | | As much as the R.I.A.A. tries to help, they are not |
| world change. | | | | the parents of America. |
| In 1985, Live Aid was put on by many rock musicians | | | | As our children start to discovery their own taste in |
| from Black Sabbath to U2. It raised over 232 million | | | | music, parents need to monitor the content and |
| dollars for famine relief in Ethiopia and was inspired by | | | | words. Maybe your child has found a singer or band |
| the song 'The Tide is Turning' by Roger Waters of | | | | that they really like. You have listened to the song |
| Pink Floyd. | | | | and approve. Make sure when you buy that CD |
| Even today, many bands put on benefits for a | | | | though, you carefully listen to all of the songs or |
| plethora of causes. Several bands have toured in Iraq | | | | simply purchase the one song that you approved. |
| to perform for our troops overseas. Also many rock | | | | Rock seems to be the most controversial but it also |
| benefit concerts were put on to raise money after | | | | has many positive influences that should be taken in |
| the 9-11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the 2004 | | | | to consideration. There are some negatives that |
| Indian Ocean Earthquake. | | | | come with it, and those should be filtered out by the |
| Bands also promote Christianity in their music, | | | | parents. |
| especially in today's day and age. Popular bands, such | | | | As a family and society, we do not want record |
| as P.O.D., Flyleaf, Pillar, and many others, widely and | | | | companies, or anyone else for that matter, to decide |
| openly promote religion through their music. And | | | | what we feel is appropriate or not. We enjoy the |
| other bands, such as Breaking Benjamin and Chevelle, | | | | privilege of making that decision. We do appreciate |
| subtly promote it through their poetic and abstract | | | | their input, hence the labeling. But, when it comes |
| lyrics. | | | | down to it, we are the parents; we will take |
| Looking at their generosity of both their talent and | | | | responsibility for what our children are plugging in their |
| money, it is clear that many Artists have chosen to | | | | ears. |
| spread joy. Are there other benefits? | | | | So, the next time your child wants to listen to a song |
| Music in general, as well as Rock, can inspire children | | | | they like, instead of immediately refusing, listen with |
| to pick up a healthy hobby of playing music. Learning | | | | both ears. You will learn much of what your child likes |
| an instrument helps a child find a form of creativity | | | | and dislikes. You will gain insight into the thinking of |
| they can express in an unimaginable amount of ways. | | | | your child. You will also learn what to absolutely deny |
| Even if they aren't going to become the next icon, | | | | your child. |
| enjoying music can often grant the listener or player | | | | |