MTV Juvies - TV-PG

Teens get scared straight in MTV reality doc.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: MTV Cast: Mary Beth Bonaventura Genre: Reality TV
Available on: Download

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this documentary-style reality show follows teens as they enter the juvenile justice system. Frank discussion of their crimes -- including auto theft, running away, drunk driving, assault with a knife, and more -- occurs. Some dramatizations include beer bottles, marijuana, and other elements of the teens' crimes. All situations are sad, and certain moments are particularly painful to watch -- like when a teen's mother rejects her daughter, forcing her into foster care.

Families can discuss the teens on the show. What are the underlying reasons that they ended up in juvenile hall? Do they deserve to be locked up? What offenses should result in a teen going to prison? Can family members ever imagine being in prison? What would be the worst part of being locked up? What is this show trying to accomplish?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Sierra Filucci

The MTV-produced documentary series JUVIES follows teens as they enter juvenile detention, appear before the judge, and either get released ... or stay behind bars. Filmed at the Lake County Juvenile Justice Complex in Indiana, the show offers a fascinating, thought-provoking glimpse into the lives of young people dealing with family troubles, drugs, and emotional problems.

For example, 16-year-old Sara took off with friends to Texas on an impulsive attempt to "start a better life." But when she was arrested for running away, she found out that her mother didn't want her back in the family home. In an interview, Sara describes how her relationship with her mother changed for the worse after her mother and stepfather separated. Later in the episode, Sara's mother appears before the court looking exhausted and sounding uneducated. While not explicit, the message is painfully clear: Sara's hopes for the future rest on the parenting abilities of someone who's unable to do the job.

Life inside the detention center is scary at first, but most of the profiled teens eventually find it bearable. Cordell, 17, arrested for stealing a car, initially rejects his fellow inmates' friendly overtures, thinking they're all delinquents. But he ultimately realizes that his prejudice is unfounded when he hears others' stories and gains compassion for their situations.

Each inmate fears meeting with Superior Court Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura -- a stern but fair middle-aged woman who holds their immediate futures in her hands. She listens to the inmate's story, talks to the parent (if possible), and renders her decision.

The whole process is rather uneventful -- the other inmates are rarely as scary as feared, the staff is relatively compassionate, and the judge isn't unreasonable -- but the little details are what make an impression on the new kids, and on viewers.

During the intake process, for example, Cordell must strip down in front of a staffer and rub Lysol on his hair to kill any potential bugs that might be living on his body. To someone like him -- a good student who's active in extracurriculars and hopes to be a lawyer someday -- the process is simply humiliating. The teens' stories are often accompanied by dramatic reenactments of their alleged activities. These dramatizations, complete with soundtracks, feel out of place compared to the stark reality of the rest of the show.

While part of Juvies' appeal is its voyeuristic payoff, teen viewers may empathize with the inmates enough to think twice about doing anything that could make them wind up in the TV teens' place.

Fans might also enjoy True Life, the documentary Scared Straight!, and the book and film White Oleander.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content
Violence Depends on the episode. Discussion of teens' crimes -- including auto theft, running away, drunk driving, assault with a knife.
Language Not much bad language, though the occasional "hell" or "damn" can pop up.
Message
	Social Behavior Teens' bad behavior gets them locked up, but they usually seem to learn their lesson. Disrespectful behavior has immediate consequences.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Some discussion of drug and/or alcohol use in conjunction with the teens' offenses. Dramatizations often depict drugs, smoking, and/or drinking, though briefly.