Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that the February issue of Seventeen features the cover model, Miss Seventeen Jennifer Steele, talking about her parents' addiction to drugs and what it did to her family. There are lots of ads for products such as J. Lo perfume, and various makeup and skin products. There is a story about how to stay low-cal at Starbucks. Readers will also see an article about birth control pills (which includes pic of female reproductive system), a true story about a girl molested by her nanny (this one has a label warning readers of intense content), and another true story about a girl who died while playing a game to make herself pass out. Parents should also know that there is an emphasis here on romance, including an article on how to throw a speed dating party, and another on how to style your hair in ways that guys like.
Families who get this magazine could discuss what messages the magazine is sending. Ask your teens: How do you feel about yourself after flipping through this issue? How do you feel about your body? Do you find yourself craving more products? Does this magazine reflect everything that's going on in your life? Parents can point out how advertising and editorial sometimes mesh; the magazine offers products for giveaways and contests -- how does that work to raise your brand awareness? For more ideas, check out Nancy Gruver's article True Love and Flatter Abs: How to Navigate Teen Magazines.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kate Pavao
It's worth noting that today's SEVENTEEN is truly a multimedia product: Not only is there a related television show, but many stories include teasers that lead readers to the Web.
This is targeted at a younger audience than counterparts Teen People or Cosmo Girl!. Most of the pieces are short -- and the subject matter is a bit lighter (a pull out poster of musician Teddy Geiger, small ways to tell your guy that you love him, like making him a scarf -- even an article about birth control reads more like something you'd hear in science class than from your teen girlfriends).
This doesn't mean that kids aren't going to need some guidance from their folks. There are still stories about kids in trouble -- for instance, the February issue includes a story about a girl who was molested by her nanny.
There is a girl power vibe here: The February issue includes DIY fashions, and a spread about teen girl activists (one raised money to fight juvenile diabetes, another made a documentary to protect kids from being abducted). This is somewhat undercut by the magazine's tips for finding love and impressing boys. An article about hairstyles, for instance, advertises "32 date styles that guys love! ... Try one of these girl-tested, guy-approved looks on your next night out." Hmmm... shouldn't a girl be more concerned about liking her own self than wondering if a guy approves of her hairstyle?
From The Book
Buy a scrapbook and fill it with photos of just the two of you. Include romantic quotes, like "Where love is concerned, too much is not enough."
--From "17 Ways to Say 'I Love You'"
Plot Summary:
The February issue features:
- A cover story about Miss Seventeen contest winner Jennifer Steele.
- Two true stories. One is about a girl who was molested by her nanny. The other is about a girl who died playing the "pass out game."
- Profiles of girl activists.
- An article about the pros and cons of birth control pills.
- A horoscope special.
- An article about cool cheap gifts to give your boyfriend (such as making a homemade scarf.
- Fashion under $20.
Related Books:
Other Teen Magazines:
Teen People
Cosmo Girl
Elle Girl
Guideposts Sweet 16
Related Web site
Seventeen.com
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Sexual ContentArticle about birth control pills (includes pic of female reproductive system). |
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ViolenceA true story about a girl molested by her nanny (has a warning label). Another true story is about a girl who died while playing a game to make herself pass out. |
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Social BehaviorThe magazine's girl power messages are undercut somewhat by the importance it places on finding a man -- and keeping him happy. |
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CommercialismLots of ads for products such as J. Lo perfume, and various makeup and skin products. There is a story about how to stay low-cal at Starbucks. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoThe cover model -- Miss Seventeen -- talks about her parents' addiction to drugs and what it did to her family. |
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