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The Paper

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Where to watch: MTV, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Teen journalism docu mixes passion, competition.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The students are extremely serious and passionate about their work and are focused on their current and future journalism careers. They're also extremely competitive, which results in some snarky behavior (lots of cattiness, some backstabbing, etc.). The newspaper staff is primarily Caucasian; one student is African-American.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some arguing and occasional verbal outbursts.

  • Sex:

    Some teen hugging and kissing.

  • Language:

    Audible language includes "damn," "hell," "bitch," and "ass." Words like "s--t" are bleeped.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Occasional underage drinking (generic "keg cups" are shown; you can't tell for sure what's in them, but alcohol is implied).
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Paper

Parents need to know that that this reality docuseries -- which follows high school students as they publish their award-winning school paper -- includes some strong language (words like "bitch" and "ass" are audible, while stronger words like "s--t" are bleeped) and a bit of sexual innuendo, as well as teen hugging and kissing. There's also some occasional underage drinking. And while these intelligent, resourceful students are admirably dedicated to and passionate about their work, their competitiveness sometimes results in snarky attitudes and emotional arguments.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what it would be like to be a journalist. What is the life of a reporter really like? What challenges do reporters face every day as they try to do their jobs? How do you think being part of the media affects your perspective on it? Families can also discuss the differences between working on a school paper and a professional paper. Do you think the editor-in-chief of a school newspaper faces the same issues as the in-chief of a national one? What are some of the similarities? Differences?
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