Table of Contents
Updated and Fact Checked June 2024 by: Christine Zambos, LMFT
Updated checklist:
- Updated Tips For Parents
- Updated and Added More Recent Influences
- Added More Context to Each Media Type
Media is a powerful tool that has influenced political movements, culture, societal issues and can shape behaviors especially in teens during vulnerable stages of development. As substance abuse rates grow, it is not uncommon to see a growing trend of drug use found in today’s music, television, movies, etc.
The growing influence that the media has on teenage development has many parents, health professionals and community members questioning the role media plays in drug use among youth. As a concerned parent, if your child begins drug use, you may be quick to blame the “kind of friends they have” or their inner social circle.
However, the cause of this influence may be music, television or social media—demonstrating a larger problem for parents and society.
Glamorizing Teen Substance Use in the Media
Drug use is displayed through various media outlets. Many artists draw from personal experiences, and TV shows may produce relatable content to reflect current trends in society.
These reflective expressions of art are usually not created with harmful intentions, but often do not display the full extent of the consequences of drug use or are missing context. This can cause harm to the teenage brain, which is extra-sensitive to the kind of content consumed as teens shape their perceptions and perspectives of the world.
Most teens are exposed to substances either in their social lives or through song lyrics, social media, TV shows or social media. The problem arises when their perception of drug use gets warped. The glamorization of drug use in these media outlets often associate substance abuse as a symbol of status, fun or money.
Drug Use in TV Shows
Streaming platforms such as Netflix, HBO and Hulu have made it easier than ever for teens to access a variety of TV shows and media that may be made for more mature audiences. Many popular shows popular among youth are centered around the use, addiction to and selling of drugs.
While some of these shows don’t show addiction in a completely inaccurate way, many critics believe they may aestheticize drug use through cinema, clothing choices or how certain characters are portrayed.
Sometimes Hollywood does not show the reality of drugs, but rather the danger, excitement and party culture associated with them. Some popular shows among today’s youth that center around drug use include:
- Euphoria
- Queen’s Gambit
- Narcos
Drug Use in Music
The relationship between musical lyrics and substance abuse has grown over the recent decades. Many mainstream artists draw teens in with raw lyrics discussing the harsh reality of street life. Artists often use their music to paint the realities of their own experiences, which can sometimes involve substance abuse.
While the intentions are not meant to be harmful, this can turn into a portrayal that glamorizes drug use, especially to youth audiences. Some popular artists and songs listened to by today’s youth with examples of glamorized drug use include:
- “If you´re not drunk ladies and gentleman get ready to get f***** up,,,All of the alcoholics where you at? Let’s go!¨ — Shots by LMFAO
- “You´re gone and I got to stay high all the time, just to keep you off my mind”—Habits (Stay High) by Tove Lo
- “I´m so high in here, been smokin´on this weed, Told´em go on, take a shot on three”—Sativa by Jhene Aiko & Swae Lee
- “I take a couple uppers, I down a couple downers, but nothing compares to these blue and yellow purple pills. I been to mushroom mountain”—Purple Pills by D12
Drug Use in Social Media
Social media is one of the biggest platforms and primary media outlets used by teens today. Teens have grown up in an extremely digital world, getting a majority of their content from apps like Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok or Snapchat.
Social media is a platform where reality is often distorted. Many times users are not seeing the full context, but rather just a small piece of an experience.
This applies to drug use as well, where influencers or celebrities may post “aesthetic” posts smoking weed or drinking in the club. What teens fail to see are the consequences, or trauma that brings people to live a life filled with substance abuse.
Tips for Parents
Parents may find themselves in difficult positions when putting limits on the kind of content their teens consume. Trying to find a balance between protecting their teens, while still giving them freedom and choice can be challenging.
Build Trust with Open Conversations
Having a healthy relationship with your teen can make it easier for them to come to you about taboo topics like drugs, sex and alcohol. This is key to discussing their music, tv and media choices and the potential influence on their lives.
Parents should actively listen to their teens and understand why their teens are drawn into the kind of media they consume. Parents should also take initiatives to learn more about the background of the TV shows, musical artists or social media accounts their teens are consuming.
Reality vs. Media
Teaching your teens from a young age that art, music, movies, and social media doesn’t always reflect the reality of life is important. Many times we are only shown a small piece of reality, without context. Have frequent discussions of what is reality versus what is put out for artistic expression.
Setting Boundaries
A balance between personal choice and setting boundaries is important. Find out what makes your teens enjoy the kind of content they do and explore with them. Don’t flat out ban your teen from negative content, but rather introduce them to more media with positive messages.
Model Positive Behavior
Teens growing up in harsh environments or without positive role models are more likely to embody the kind of behaviors in the media or music they consume.
By setting positive examples in the home and community, it will be easier to teach your teen discernment from embodying these actions they see or hear in their own lives.
When to Seek Help
If your teen is currently struggling with addiction, Clearfork Academy has all the right tools to help them get on track and manage their sobriety.
Our program offers a tailored and safe environment where teens learn life skills and coping strategies to help them face life’s challenges without substances.
To find out more about our programs and how we can benefit your child’s recovery process, call Clearfork Academy today at (817) 259-2597.
Founder & CEO
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
