Parent vs. Celebrity Influence

256 Words2 Pages
Celebrities are everywhere: grinning from the covers of magazines in line at the grocery store, flickering on the TV screen during shows and advertisements or posting play-by-plays of their daily activities online. Kids and teens are exposed to celebrity culture as part of daily life, in many cases. Although celebrities undoubtedly play a role in influencing kids, parents should not underestimate their own effect. Positively managing the way celebrities influence your child is a key responsibility for parents. Celebrities Children, and especially teens, frequently look to celebrities for fashion cues, including clothing, hairstyle and makeup choices. Kids might fixate on a favorite celebrity or two, trying to emulate their look or lifestyle decisions, according to a 2002 article in "Psychology Today." Others might assume a general star-struck attitude, perusing celebrity magazines for ideas about preferred brands, behavioral idiosyncrasies or fitness tips. Parents Some teens resist being characterized as influenced by celebrity culture, naming their parents as prime factors in their worldview, according to a 2007 article on Howard University's website. Children might be impressed by a parent’s work ethic, sense of family responsibility or creative endeavors. Celebrity saturation could result in children and teens feeling repelled by the materialism, superficiality or privilege sometimes portrayed in media coverage. Although celebrities might appear sophisticated and glamorous, the morals and life values of parents might have a deeper effect on teens looking for meaning and identity as they develop. America’s Promise.org states that higher parental involvement can positively influence health choices and school
Open Document