Christian Teens and Today's Culture
(Part 2)

"Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee."
--Prov. 119:11

by Marsha Norris

Part 2 of this series will look at how our teens feel the media try to sexually influence our culture. (Here's Part 1 if you missed it.)

Following are the results of a survey I sent out to teens in four congregations across the country. The surveys were answered anonymously to encourage complete candor. Beginning with this issue and continuing throughout the year, I will be sharing the results of this survey to help parents be more informed and, hopefully, more proactive in their teen's life. The make-up of the teens participating in the survey is as follows:

Number of teens surveyed: 35
Christians: 29
Non-Christians: 6
Males: 13
Females: 22

Do you feel today's tv programs promote unmarried sex?
83% said yes.

Any programs in particular?
Friends, Sex and the City, Dawson's Creek, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dark Angel, Beverly Hills 9021, Unhappily Ever After.

Do you feel commercials on tv promote sex?
91% said yes.

Do you feel today's music promotes sex?
83% said yes.

Any type of music in particular?
Rap, Hip Hop, Reggae, Alternative, Pop. (Although the teens were quick to point out that all types of music can be sexually suggestive, Rap received the overwhelming number of votes.)

Do you think some of the magazine covers at the grocery store check-out aisle are sexually suggestive?
74% said yes.

Help for parents....www.family.org
The Focus on the Family (Dr. James Dobson's) website offers up-to-date reviews of tv programs, movies, and music from a Christian perspective. (Go to the "Plugged In" link.) Following is what "Plugged In" has to say about some of the tv shows the teens have mentioned.

Dawson's Creek
"Dawson's Creek builds an entire series around its teenage characters' preoccupation with sex, both straight and gay. Features torrid sexual liaisons (both straight and gay)."

Dark Angel
"This series bombards fans with violence, sexual situations, homosexual characters and ideology, nudity, foul language, and alcohol abuse."

Friends
"Friends has become infamous for immersing viewers in sexual innuendos, homosexual issues, and crude banter."

Parents, teach your children to "guard their hearts." Be involved in all areas of their lives and help them make wise decisions. After all, GOD had a reason for making YOU the parent.