The title of this post is a direct quote from a statement the TV watchdog group The Parents Television Council made before the premiere of MTV's new show Skins aired. The group made this statement in response to the gratuitous scenes of teen drug and alcohol use, violence and sexual acts on the program, which is an adaptation of a British show of the same name and substance. In addition, The PTC wrote-in to various government officials yesterday in a bid to have the program and its producers investigated.
For its own part, MTV parent Viacom has had concerns that its decision to cast actual teenage actors in scenes which depict sexual acts could put it up against federal pornography statutes. However, for now, it has no plans to pull or modify a show which, with its incredible first night ratings, has the look of a hit. As a point of reference, the 3.3 million viewers watching the premiere set a new first-episode record for the channel among the critical 12 to 34 advertising demographic.
Aside from any questions of morality, the reality of the matter is that, as Newsweek's Jessica Bennett puts it, Skins may be 'the most realistic show on television.' Teen pregnancy rates have been on the rise and drug and alcohol statistics suggest that over half of teens are abusing substances. If a show represents what teens are doing in the first place, there should be far fewer concerns about them viewing it...particular if it means they are at home while they do so. Who knows, it might just provide an opportunity for parents, including those organized under 'Councils,' to broach these topics in some context, something that doesn't seem to be happening enough currently.
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