Parents' Guide to

Teen Kids News

By Pam Gelman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Teens report for teens in lively news show.

TV Syndicated Educational 2003
Teen Kids News Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 1 parent review

intellineo
intellineo Adult
March 21, 2013
age 10+

It's like "60 Minutes" but for kids

This show is very refreshing, it doesn't cover current events like a daily news show but it is like a "60 Minutes" for kids. The reporters are all kids. They report on a wide range of topics and usually have a "Hot" topic and then sports, entertainment, helping others, health etc. Things like how to combat bullying or what is dragon racing or how a baseball bat is made or what it's like to be a kid in a Broadway show, or what it's like to be a kid whose sibling has autism. It's fast paced and informative with generally upbeat reports. I'm an adult but I admit I enjoy watching the show!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
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What's the Story?

The producers of TEEN KIDS NEWS are well aware of the key to success with the teen market: Teens relate best to other teens. So even though there are likely some experienced adults behind the camera, for the show's teen viewers, it's all about anchors/reporters Mwanzaa, Haley, Cody, Lily, Felipe, and Madeline. The show features crisp topical reporting by these sharp teens (one of them, Haley Cohen, is Paula Zahn's daughter). Each half-hour episode covers news, issues, sports, social action, and entertainment -- catering to its audience's ability to multitask, the show's segments jump from topic to topic. In just one installment, for example, everything from global warming, political election pressures, and new smoking studies to Tyra Banks, belly fat, and South African golfers was covered.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Parents may be left bleary-eyed, but teens love the fast pace -- and it keeps their attention. Parents of sensitive or younger teens may need to keep an eye peeled for content that could be too much for them, but otherwise this is a lively show that gives teens something substantial to chew on. It's a great fit for kids who have outgrown Nick News but aren't quite ready for The Daily Show.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the specific stories that are covered in each episode. Teens interested in a particular topic may want to dig up more information on the Internet or via a trip to the library. Mostly, parents need to be aware of potentially sensitive topics and make sure that kids who are exposed to these stories understand what's going on -- and have a chance to ask their own questions.

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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