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World's Strictest Parents

(Rated NR, Reality TV, Where to watch: CMT)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Unruly teens get an eye-opening reality check.

Themes in this show include:   family relationships, growing up

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The show makes it clear that boundaries are needed for teens, but the messages get muddled as that point is made, with extreme parenting styles clashing for maximum drama. Teens theoretically come away from the experiment with a different perspective about their parents and their own behavior (which includes sneaking around, lying, being disrespectful, drinking, and more).
  • Role models:

    The teens' biological parents sometimes come across as having iffy parenting skills and/or lacking the backbone to stand up to their kids. Host families sometimes seem to take their rules to the extreme for the sake of the cameras -- or to create more drama. Some of the kids come from single-parent homes. Not a lot of diversity among the featured families.
  • Violence:

    Lots of arguing between teens and parents. Some teens get into fights with other teens, leading to pushing, shoving, and punching. One teen jokes about torching his host family's house.
  • Sex:

    References to having sex.
  • Language:

    Audible language includes words like like "hell" and "pissed," while words like "f--k" and "s--t" are fully bleeped.
  • Consumerism:

    Some of the kids have iPods and iPhones.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    A lot of teen cigarette smoking and drinking (beer, wine, hard liquor). References to marijuana use.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About World's Strictest Parents

Parents need to know although that this series -- which follows unruly teens who temporarily move in with a strict family -- is very clear about the need for boundaries for teens, it sends some confusing messages about parenting, bouncing between extremes (too lax on one end, overly strict on the other). The troubled and/or spoiled teens are shown drinking, smoking, lying, sneaking around, and disrespecting adults. There's also some strong language, though the worst is bleeped. Parents who watch with their kids can discuss some of the reasons behind these behaviors; check out our tips for these conversations.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the behavior of the kids on the show. Are they just "rebelling" against their parents, or are they exhibiting signs of deeper problems?
  • What are some of the real-life consequences of drinking and/or smoking at such a young age? Is the show's solution a realistic way to address behavior like this?
  • Can reality shows really help people improve their lives? Can people truly change after just one week of living a different life?

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Our Members Say

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See all 13 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Finally, a show unlike the Supernanny show which doesn't show good role models from early on. I think this show is very good, because despite the fact that I have three daughters, one has been doing more than her share at times, the other has some limitations due to mild disability and always helped out until lately when her sister (middle child) set HORRIBLE example, is lazy, disrespectful, rude, not willing to keep house rules, and expects life to hand her everything on a silver platter, she's become a gold digger and equates love with money. I have done my level best to provide nice things for her, basic things and beyond that to ensure her happiness. She breaks promises (ex. for years said she wanted a dog and would do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING for it, but now does less than 1% for the dog because "she has a life and is busy"....soon I will put dog up for adoption if she continues doing nothing for it). I seriously would like to have her on the show, but she is 18, and not sure if it's too late, but I'm so drained, like a sponge that is saturated with her, cannot take anymore of her backtalk, laziness, freshness, etc. I get whiplash with her moodiness. I seriously want her to come to terms with how much hurt she has inflicted on her family for so many years. This show has definitely made me realize that parents have to become stricter. I do try to set rules and give chores, but need more consequences when they aren't done. I'm tired of confrontations, trying to get her counseling was a horrible experience as she freaked out on my daughter and I bigtime. She's impossible and I have become so distraught with what to do with her. Can't stand her under my own roof anymore. I loved her so much, but now, I don't know what I feel, except alot of anger towards her for all the damage that she has done and continues to do. Any suggestions would surely be appreciated.

  2. I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Good show, great website!

    I saw World's Strictest Parents for the first time a few weeks ago and thought it was pretty good. I thought the show had some valuable insight and tools for parents who may be struggling in their relationships with their teenage kids. Upon furthur research, I discovered their website, www.cmtworldsstrictestparents.com. I think it's a wonderful source for parents and teens alike, as it light-hearted and fun, but also a great resource for parenting tips and advice. And as a bonus: you can take a poll on the website and you're automatically entered into a cash prize sweepstakes!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it 1.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    me molesta q no sean justos

    mi pregunta es porque si los padres son tan estrictos acerca de un pirsin porque su hija si puede tenerlos en la oreja y la muchacha q es su hija por la semana no?

  4. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0

    i like it but it still did not help my 16 year old to behave i need her to get on it

  5. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    After watching one episode where the kids are made to cut grass in the rain, paint a utility shed in the rain. It is sad that a parent would put their children let alone someone elses child in a situaltion that is dangerious, or idiotic situations. Who paints in the rain? plus it is dangerous to cut grass in the rain. I will not watch this show again because i dont believe it is a quality show that exemplifies the qualities of a good parent. It seem that this particular parent was more of a slave driver or master or the plantation. Aside form the matter or religion, forcing a person to attend church is violation of their religious views.

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