'Fallen' Stars as Role Models

Is your child a fan of a “celebrity gone wild”? The news is full of slipups by young media and sports stars—exposing kids to issues such as teen pregnancy, steroid use, eating disorders, and drug addiction.

Are these fallen heroes leading children down a dangerous path?

Not as much as parents may fear, says Philadelphia psychiatrist Lois Flaherty, M.D., Adolescent Committee chair for the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. “Research shows that boys are apt to be influenced by male athletes, which raises their interest in bodybuilding and steroid use,” she says. “Girls are influenced by female models and media stars—which can raise issues about body image, eating disorders, and sexual behavior.”

Still, the influence of the rich and infamous pales next to the impact of those in a child’s daily life: mom, dad, friends, teachers, and coaches. Among these, “parents are the biggest role models for their kids,” Dr. Flaherty says. “Kids may downplay this or make fun of their parents, but typically, the values parents have are the values that kids will live by themselves.”

To lessen the negative effect of outsiders, it pays to build a trusting relationship with your child. Offer encouragement, respect, and one-on-one time.

Here are more tips:

• Tune in, not out. Keep an eye on what your kids watch and listen to in music, TV shows, movies, and Web sites. Violent images and hostile, negative lyrics affect kids’ attitudes. Set limits on what is acceptable. Explain your decision in terms of values.

• Offer perspective. When media figures get into trouble, start a discussion about self-destructive behavior. Talk about the importance of limits, self-control, and reaching out for help when you need it. Relate the lesson to something your child has gone through.

• Teach Media 101. “Talk about the strategy behind advertising,” Dr. Flaherty says. “Break it down, asking open-ended questions such as, ‘Why do you think the models dress like that?’ and ‘What does the advertiser want you to think and do?’”

• Walk the walk. Be an everyday example of the values you want to instill in your children, such as honesty, generosity, trustworthiness, and compassion for others.

The Media-Smart Youth program from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development aims to help 11- to 13-year-olds learn how media can affect their choices. See it online at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/msy.