Chapter 1: The Challenge of Youth Idols

Recently, tensions have resurfaced between parents and their children regarding the music idols they admire, which many view as controversial. Notably, artists like Morgenstern and Eldzhey have faced concert cancellations due to parental concerns.

Are these artists genuinely harmful to youth? Are bans an effective solution? How can parents engage in meaningful discussions about their teens' musical tastes without damaging their relationship? Let’s explore these questions together.

To begin with, it's important to acknowledge that parents' worries are valid. Consider the following statistics:

• Approximately 2% of the working-age population in Russia, aged 15 to 64, struggle with drug addiction.
• Between 2016 and 2018, drug-related deaths in Russia ranged from 4,400 to 4,800 annually. This number surged by 60% during the pandemic.
• In 2020, over 50,000 fatalities were linked to alcohol in Russia, representing a 6.3% increase from the previous year.

Given this context, it’s understandable why the music of artists who glamorize substance use is often met with disapproval from older generations. For instance, Morgenstern’s lyrics, which reference drug use in a seemingly casual manner, can be alarming to parents.

But will simply prohibiting access to this music solve the issue? It’s akin to the old joke about a gamble: there’s a 50/50 chance it may or may not work. Let’s examine both scenarios.

In today’s digital age, banning something is a daunting challenge. If a concert is canceled, teens will still find ways to listen to the music through their devices. Removing these devices could hinder their technological literacy. Even if authorities impose restrictions, teens can easily use VPNs to bypass them. How can one monitor every individual?

Assuming you manage to restrict your teenager's access to such content, what happens next? Does this guarantee they will gravitate towards "better" music? Surprisingly, yes, but it's not a cause for celebration. To understand why, we must consider what teenagers seek during this critical phase of their lives.

Adolescence is a time when young individuals strive to define their identities. They are caught between childhood and adulthood, eager to distance themselves from their parents' values and societal norms. Anything perceived as “old-fashioned” or “adult-like” is often rejected, while countercultural trends become appealing as they attempt to assert their individuality. Acceptance among peers takes precedence over parental approval.

This period can be challenging for both teens and their parents, significantly influencing the teen's future. It’s entirely normal for adolescents to explore music that may lack artistic merit from an adult perspective.

Conversely, there can be legitimate concerns if a teenager shuns peer interaction, conforms entirely to parental expectations (the so-called “golden child”), and displays no rebellious tendencies typical for their age. This scenario often stems from a strict and authoritarian upbringing, which can have severe consequences. Without the opportunity to question and challenge the values of their elders, their individual identity may never fully develop.

Such a lack of self-exploration can lead to future issues, including neuroses, depression, difficulties in peer relationships, and even rebellion against traditional values in adulthood. You may have encountered individuals who seem perpetually stuck in adolescence.

It’s essential to recognize that teenage rebellion, when developmentally healthy, is temporary. While they may step away from you, they will ultimately find their way back. Their preferences and perspectives will evolve.

Avoid placing excessive expectations on your child. Take the time to listen to the music they enjoy or play the games they love, and discuss these experiences together. Remember, adopting a condescending teaching tone will only hinder mutual understanding.

Chapter 2: Media and Its Impact

The first video, "The Kpop Idols Documentary is a Mess," dives into the controversies surrounding K-pop idols and their impact on youth culture.

The second video, "KPOP IDOLS IN REAL FIGHTS," showcases the reality behind the glamorous facade often portrayed in the K-pop industry.