What kind of messages are celebrities sending our teenagers and tweens? So obviously Lindsey Lohan is not getting the role model of the year award, but think about the messages that our future generations are being sent. Is it any wonder that kids are dating at an earlier age, when TV shows portray middle school romances? And how about drug use? Every time you turn the TV on there is another celebrity mug shot for some kind of drug possession or use charge.
My heart breaks when I see teenage girls idolizing TV celebrities who are ‘having babies’ on these TV shows, and it looks so glamorous to them. They have no idea how difficult it is to care for children. I look at celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, and while I am all for adopting I think it send the wrong message when you have five kids that are frequently passed off on nannies. It shows teenage girls that they can get what all teenage girls want (attention) by getting pregnant and having a baby.
Boys are no better. They are seeing celebrity after celebrity on the news for some indiscretion, and they think that is how real men act. Never taking responsibility for their actions and being treated like they were on vacation, our boys never learn how to be men. The point is, if your career has bolstered you into fame, then use that fame productively. Be a good influence. Be a good influence even if you are not a famous celebrity, because there is always another generation at your heels watching what you do. Just be aware, and think about the kids who look up to you before you go following in the wrong footsteps.