 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
"Teenage Dream" (CD single)
- By Katy Perry
- Genre: Pop
Common Sense Media says
Pop single isn't graphic but references drinking and sex.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that while this single isn't the most risque song ever done by Katy Perry, it does contain some references to sex and drinking (going "all the way," getting a motel room with the guy in question, and drinking at a beach party). Be aware that the music video is very sexy.
What's the story?
"TEENAGE DREAM" is the latest single off of Katy Perry's full-length album by the same name. The song's title refers to its general theme: a woman falls so head over heels for a man that she feels like she's living in the same fog many teens experience when they develop big crushes. The difference between teen crushes and Perry's experience, however, is that the latter includes some very grownup behaviors -- going "all the way," getting a motel room with the guy in question, and drinking at a beach party. Though there's no bad language or extremely graphic descriptions, the adult references make it too mature for younger audiences.
Is it any good?
Though it's not earth-shattering, "Teenage Dream" has a solid power-pop beat that puts it in a league above Perry's typically lighthearted fare. Respectable vocals add even more appeal, resulting in a memorable tune that will likely make its way onto many a summer 2010 playlist.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what can happen when you engage in adult behaviors before you're an adult. Can you think of some potential repercussions that could result from having sex at a very young age?
What are the consequences of underage drinking?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
"No Regrets, Just Love" Is NOT a Good Message
While this song has some WONDERFULLY sweet lyrics-- "You think I'm pretty, without any makeup on. You think I'm funny when I tell the punchline wrong," it has a message that I just can't get over no matter how much the rest of the song makes me happy. The bridge of the song says,
"Let's go all the way tonight. No regrets, just love."
This message I feel is really harmful to a lot of the tween dancers at my dance studio who sing along with and and know all the lyrics. That kind of mentality almost always amounts in regret and I think only older listeners who realize that should listen to the song. It also has a number of other racy lyrics like "Oh, you put your hands on me in my skin tight jeans, I'll be your teenage dream tonight"
Really, it's mostly the "let's go all the way tonight, no regrets" message that bothers me. Casually having sex with someone always results in regret.
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AGE
i know many kids like katy perry. who wouldnt? and anyway, most kids, this song goes right over their heads
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AGE
I don't understand why people think that this encourages teens to engage in sexual acts. It's clearly about adults, considering the line "You make me feel like I'm living a teenage dream."
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Kid, 12 years old
January 25, 2011
AGE
Catchy song, but for mature tweens.
Although this song is catchy, and I at age 11, listen to it too, doesn't mean this song is for everyone. It glamorizes having sex at as a teenager and can set a bad exsample on kids my age for when they are older.
In all, this song is catchy, but for mature tweens.
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AGE
WARNING: Katy Perry at her worst--worst both as most innappropriate AND dumbest.
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Kid, 12 years old
March 14, 2011
AGE
I love this song, this is a good song, but the lyrics are not good for kids that don't know about sex. I would want to talk to my kids if I had any about sex before listenign to the song
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AGE
Dumb song by dumb artist.
Katy Perry is one of the worst singers ever! I guess California Gurls was OK, but This song is awful, like her new album. In every picture shes in shes either naked or something else and thats all her songs talk about "drinking, dancing, sex, blah, blah, blah"
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AGE
Moderate sexuality and drinking OK for teens and older tweens
The sexuality and drinking in this song is moderate and appropriate for teens and older Tweens. The lyrics themselves aren't appropriate for younger kids. There is some subtle lyrics of a guy liking Katy for what she is on the inside, which deserves a vote for good messages.
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AGE
Cool and Sweet Romance Tune, Clean
Highlights: Nice soft and relaxing beat. It is about a smooth relationship. Good Message: She says "You think I'm pretty, without any makeup on, you think I'm funny, when I tell the punchline wrong." Sex: She goes "Let's go all the way tonight.", "go to a motel", and "put your hands in my skin tight jeans". Drinking: "getting drunk on the beach."
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| Artist: | Katy Perry |
| Release date: | July 29, 2010 |
| Label: | Capitol |
| Genre: | Pop |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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