1. MUSIC CAN BE A BAD INFLUENCE Michael Taylor 11/3/14

2. Music Genres Some genres of music might contain negative or destructive themes, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Hip-hop, rock and heavy metal genres have a high association with destructive themes. Country and rap songs also have an association with negative messages, according to authors of “Content Analysis of Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs in Popular Music,” published in "Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine" in 2008.

3. Destructive Themes Destructive themes include a glamorization of drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, graphic violence and violent or inappropriate sexual messages, states the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. In songs that include substance use, lyrics generally advocate motivation to use by peer or social pressure and sex and violence often accompanies substance use. An average teenager receives exposure to about 84 daily references to substance use in popular music, with most instances having positive association and consequences.

4. Intensity Many types of music can have a relaxing and calming effect on people, with soft sounds and soothing tempos. Alternative, hip-hop or hard rock often has the opposite effect on a listener, states the Association for Natural Psychology, a New Jersey non-profit corporation. As music hammers relentlessly, excitement level and emotions can rise and fall dramatically in the teen listener.

5. Satanic References(backmasking) backmasking has been used by heavy metal bands to deliberately insert messages in their lyrics or imagery. Bands have utilized Satanic imagery for commercial reasons.[37] For example, thrash metal band Slayer included at the start of the band's 1985 album Hell Awaits a deep backmasked voice chanting "Join Us" over and over. (listen (info)).[38] However, Slayer vocalist Tom Araya states that the band's use of Satanic imagery was "solely for effect".[39] Cradle of Filth, another band that has employed Satanic imagery, released a song entitled "Dinner at Deviant's Palace", consisting almost entirely of unusual sounds and a reversed reading of the Lord's Prayer[40] (a backwards reading of the Lord's Prayer is reportedly a major part of the Black Mass).[19][41] Seattle-based grunge band Soundgarden parodied the phenomenon of Satanic backmasking on their 1989 album Ultramega OK. When played backwards, the songs "665" and "667" reveal a song about Santa Claus. Marilyn Manson used this technique. For example, in the beginning of his song "Tourniquet" when played backwards, his voice is heard saying "This is my lowest point of vulnerability" as explained in his book The Long Hard Road Out of Hell.

6. Parental Involvement Kids with a healthy and balanced lifestyle probably are not at a significant risk for harm from music, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. However, if you notice changes in your child, such as a preoccupation with destructive music, depression, isolation, moodiness and substance abuse, consider seeking professional intervention for your child. Pay attention to the music your child chooses and listen to it yourself to sample the lyrics and messages. If you notice destructive themes, talk to your youngster about these concerns without attacking or criticizing. An open and relaxed discussion should help you communicate your concerns and enable your child to understand the potential issues.

7. Citation