Music & Movies: Hidden Lessons Shaping Our Children

Music & Movies: 

“Music videos are instruction manuals on how to turn your children into prostitutes.”
“Their transformation is planned.”

While these statements may sound extreme, they capture a deep concern many parents share today: the influence of modern media on children’s minds, identity, and values.

The Subtle Power of Entertainment

Movies, music videos, and television once served primarily as sources of storytelling, art, and inspiration. But in recent decades, the focus has shifted. What was once subtle and meaningful is now loud, provocative, and heavily commercialized.

• Songs that used to revolve around love and emotions are increasingly driven by sensuality, obsession, and materialism.

• Music videos often amplify the message visually with provocative dance moves, hypersexualized clothing, and portrayals of casual relationships.

• Films, including those meant for younger audiences, sneak in glamourized depictions of partying lifestyles, drugs, and "cool rebellion."

Conditioning Through Repetition

Children learn not only from what we tell them but also from what they constantly see and hear. Repetition works as silent training:

• When every popular dance video glorifies sexualized moves, it normalizes such expression even before kids understand the meaning.

• Refrains in popular songs sometimes turn toxic ideas—objectification, disrespect towards women, unhealthy romance—into catchy mantras.

• Movies present rebelliousness, disrespect for parents, or risky behaviors as heroic acts.

Thus, entertainment can act as an instruction manual—teaching, without saying outright, how young people should dress, talk, or behave.

The Marketing Behind It

None of this is accidental. Sensuality sells. Provocation grabs attention. Youth are the largest and most impressionable market, and entertainment industries know this very well. More shocking content brings more views, likes, and money. In this way, what once looked like "random songs" or "fun movies" now functions as a carefully designed system to change tastes, desires, and even values.

Consequences for Children

• Premature Exposure: Kids are drawn into adult themes before they are psychologically prepared.

• Identity Confusion: Children start measuring their self-worth by outward appearance and imitation of celebrities.

• Weakened Morality: Entertainment erodes traditional values of self-respect, patience, and family bonding.

What Can Parents Do?

1. Monitor teachings, not just entertainment: Instead of asking "what’s the harm in one song?" ask "what is this teaching my child?"

2. Encourage alternatives: Folk music, classical, devotional, or value-based cinema can provide joy without distortion.

3. Talk, don’t just police: Conversations about why certain content is inappropriate help children develop critical thinking rather than blind obedience.

4. Limit screen time: Protect kids’ mental environment just like you protect their diet.

Conclusion

Media is no longer just a window to the world—it’s often a blueprint quietly shaping the next generation. If parents and society ignore this, children will unknowingly absorb messages that normalize self-objectification, permissiveness, and shallow identities. Recognizing the hidden curriculum of songs and movies is the first step; protecting and guiding children is the responsibility that follows.