Reflection 02: Crossing the Line—Tween and Teen TV

The transition between tween and teen TV can be jarring

In recent years, stark differences between tween (ages 10-12) and teen (ages 13-19) programing have emerged. Though both sets of viewers are part of the same highly coveted demographic, their perspectives and needs couldn't be more different. Traditionally, tween television has been a safe space for young viewers to enjoy innocuous entertainment, while teen television—much to the chagrin of parents and media watchdogs—has increasingly tackled more adult-themed issues. Thus, middle schoolers might be watching tween show about dealing with babysitters and in only a of couple years be watching a teen show about sexual manipulation. What do you believe is appropriate (or not) for tween viewers? Likewise, what should and shouldn't be aimed at teen viewers? For this reflection watch one tween TV show along with one teen TV show (see lists below) and compare the differences between the two.

Suggested teen shows (currently, or recently, in production):

• Big Time Rush (Nickelodeon)
  
• Bucket & Skinner's Epic Adventures (Nickelodeon)
• iCarly (Nickelodeon)
• The Naked Brothers Band (Nickelodeon)
• So Random! (Disney Channel)
• The Suite Life of Zack and Cody (Disney Channel)
  
• The Suite Life on Deck (Disney Channel)
• Victorious (Nickelodeon)
• Wizards of Waverly Place (Disney Channel)

Suggested teen shows (currently, or recently, in production):

• 90210 (The CW) 
• Blue Mountain State (Spike)
• Glee (FOX) 
• Gossip Girl (The CW)
• One Tree Hill (The CW)
• Pretty Little Liars (ABC Family) 
• The Secret Circle (The CW) 
• The Secret Life of the American Teenager (ABC Family)
• Skins (MTV)
• Supernatural (The CW)  
• Switched at Birth (ABC Family) 
• Teen Wolf (MTV) 
  
• The Vampire Diaries (The CW)  

Note: Many full episodes of these shows are available to watch for free on their respective network's websites (e.g. Nickelodeon, The CW).

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "TV Show Appropriateness for Your Tween" (TweenParent)
• "The Magic Tween TV Formula" (EvilSlutopia)
• "MTV's New Teen Hit 'Skins': Could it be Flirting with Child Pornography? (Entertainment Weekly)
• "What are the Most Dangerous Shows Your Kids are Watching Without You?" (Fox News) 

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length

Due: Th 2.16 (Sec. 05) / Fr 2.17 (Sec. 49)