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Tool Academy

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Jordan Murphy, Trina Dolenz, Where to watch: VH1, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    1.0

  • Common Sense says

    Relationship "boot camp" has unhealthy messages.

Why We Rated This off for Ages 15 and Under

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The women want to change their boyfriends so that they'll be treated better. The men are tricked into appearing on the show and are then bribed to stay (with the potential for a cash prize). The men disrespect their girlfriends, some to the point of being emotionally abusive. The women admit tolerating this behavior; some have self-esteem issues that aren't addressed. Therapy sessions focus more on problems then solutions. The majority of the women are Caucasian; the men are both Caucasian and African-American.

  • Violence:

    Couples frequently argue; one girlfriend slaps her boyfriend in the face. The men often argue with each other as well; this sometimes leads to pushing, shoving, and fighting. Some men throw things and break furniture to show that they're "real men."

  • Sex:

    Some strong sexual innuendo.The men are shown stripping, oiling their bodies, and wearing tight bathing suits. They're also shown dancing provocatively (including lots of butt shaking and thrusting). Many of the men brag about being promiscuous and/or about satisfying women in the bedroom. One contestant refers to himself as "playa pimpin' tool." One contestant refers to his girlfriend as his "bottom bitch."

  • Language:

    Audible language includes words like "piss" and "bitch." Stronger curse words ("f--k," "s--t") are bleeped. Rude gestures are fully hidden.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Frequent consumption of beer, champagne, and wine.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Tool Academy

Parents need to know that this reality series is about unsuspecting men whose girlfriends have sent them to a boot camp-like "academy" in order to help them learn to commit and be respectful. The men exhibit plenty of sexist attitudes and other negative behavior (bordering on emotional abuse), while their girlfriends -- some of whom appear to have self-esteem issues -- tolerate it ... none of which adds up to a lesson that parents want their teens learning. Cast members drink and discuss topics like infidelity and promiscuity often, and frequent arguments between the couples -- as well as between the men -- sometimes lead to pushing, shoving, and slapping. Words like "piss" are audible, while stronger choices ("s--t," "f--k") are bleeped.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the idea of changing someone in order to "improve" them. Is it realistic to think that you can (or should) change another person? What if the person doesn't want to change? Can participating in a reality show really make someone a better person? Families can also discuss relationships and self-esteem. Should anyone tolerate being disrespected in a relationship? When does having personal differences in a relationship cross the line into being abusive? How can people in abusive relationships get help?
Tools and tips that can help

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    thompson2
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    April Thompson

    Hello my name is april lyann thompson,and i love your guys show alot beacause it helps out your loved ones and i think you guys are doing a really great job at helping loved ones. love:april thompson

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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