 | 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. |
MTV Juvies
- MTV
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Teens get scared straight in MTV reality doc.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
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. Inside the detention center, life is scary at first, but most of the profiled teens eventually find it bearable. For example, 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. The teens' stories are often accompanied by dramatic reenactments of their alleged activities, complete with soundtracks (which feel out of place compared with the stark reality of the rest of the show).
Is it any good?
The show's harsh details are bound to make a lasting impression. For example, during the intake process, 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 terribly humiliating.
While part of Juvies' appeal is its voyeuristic payoff, teen viewers will probably empathize with the inmates enough to think twice about doing anything that could make them wind up in the TV teens' place.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about 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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Good
This show is really good because it shows if you get into trouble you might just get sent to juvie and it shows that it is not fun at all getting sent there and what happens when you do go there!
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AGE
Typical MTV MOrals..none
I have never in all my years found anything good about MTV since 1999. Maybe if they edit it abit and even if they blip out the word, ANYONE can read the words on their lips, we aren't morons...To me, MTV..isn't uplifting for the youth so why subject them to it or let it in your home?
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AGE
Don't let this happen to your kid
I think this is a good eye opening show for kids who think about doing crimes that would end them up in a place like juvenile hall! The parents on this show however should wise up and not be so eager to believe their kid won't continue the behavior that landed them in juvenile hall in the first place! Some kids will turn around and change their behavior yet some don't and go back to the bad behavior.
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AGE
must watch.
i absolutely love this show juvies. it shows how one mess up, one stupid mistake can land you in a place like juvie. this show makes me cry because its sad at time but i love to watch it. people realize that one little action can get you arrested just like that. i love this show. MUST WATCH!!!!!
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AGE
Its ok
I like the show just wish it wouldnt repeat so much
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AGE
NOT REAL!!!!!!
The show insinuates that Juvenile Detention is the same as +18 jail and prison. Yes it may scare some younger audiences into shaping up, since it's still not a joy ride being in there, but one "Juvi" even said, "Now I know what people feel like who are in jail everyday"...and yadda yadda yadda. Sorry hun, but that is NOT the same as real jail or prison...at ALL!!! While some kids may be shocked into reality, I think a lot more might think, "Oh well...that's not that bad"...even if they ARE 18 or older, since "inmates" imply that it's the same as jail/prison. I mean 95% of them don't even stay there for over a couple or 3 days!! I just think that MTV is making way too light of the situation/experience.
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AGE
i watch it all da time
this show is da best on MTV so far...cuz they teach young kids...i mean this show is real too..ppl think it may not be but it is..trust...i mean u can also tell as well...i luv dis show...and if they eva stop it thurr is gonna be a BIG problem lyke w/ da kids on dat show...lol..
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | MTV |
| Cast: | Mary Beth Bonaventura |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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