Study says Facebook Users are Narcissist! [Study]

Child using Laptop MediaFacebook & Social Networking Influences on Children

As social media continues to grow in popularity, we are slowly starting to see more psycholgical research regarding the risks and benefits of social media / social networking use.

In a talk called “Poke Me: How Social Networks Can Both Help and Harm Our Kids,” Larry D. Rosen PhD, professor of psychology at California State University, Dominquez Hills, discussed the negative effects social media (e.g. Facebook) has had on children. Rosen conducted a study to determine how overuse of Facebook can lead to the development of psychological disorders in teens. The study was based on a sample size of 1,000 urban adolescents.

Negative points of note:

  • Teens who use Facebook show more narcissistic tendencies.
  • Young adults who use Facebook show more psychological issues such as mania, anti-social behavior and aggression.
  • Children who overuse media and technology (ex. Facebook, Video Games, TV) tends to show negative effects on health. They are more prone to depression, anxiety, and other psychological problems.
  • Middle school, high school and college students who checked Facebook frequently received lower grades as Facebook served as a distraction from studies.

Note all research was negative. Below are some positive influences of social networking.

Positive points of note:

  • Adolescents learn how to socialize
  • Young adults who use Facebook are better at showing “virtual empathy”.

Are these really “Positive” Facebook Influences?

I am not sure whether these “positives” are much of a positive at all. It is good to learn “virtual empathy” but in the long run, time is better spend for a child or an adult to learn REAL LIFE empathy. The practice of interacting and socializing in real life context may cause some awkwardness and anxiety, but it is important for children and adults alike to practice so we can become fully functioning contributors to society, our friends, and our families. I do agree that social network does have incremental opportunities to interact and socialize with others, especially those who live far away, but the fear here is when people start to opt to send messages, emails, wall posts over phone calls and real life interactions where real life opportunities are lost.

Larry Rosen’s Advice for Social Networking Use for Children

Larry Rosen, offered some advice for parents by encouraging them to pay attention to the online trends and the latest technologies they are using but be aware that it will be difficult to monitor all of your child’s social networking activities.

“If you feel that you have to use some sort of computer program to surreptitiously monitor your child’s social networking, you are wasting your time. Your child will find a workaround in a matter of minutes,” he said. “You have to start talking about appropriate technology use early and often and build trust, so that when there is a problem, whether it is being bullied or seeing a disturbing image, your child will talk to you about it.”

Social Networking Monitoring Softwares

Despite Rosen’s comments about monitoring your children, if you feel a desire to protect your child from harm, different Social Networking Monitoring tools are slowly coming to public. One such option is ZoneAlarm Social Guard. I have not used this product before, so please by all means, if you have any feedback please share in the comments below. Video introduction of ZoneAlarm Social Guard is below.

Click Here for More Info: ZoneAlarm Social Guard

Social Monitoring Tool Features:

  • Alerts you of “friends” who are much older than they claim to be.
  • Alerts you of inappropriate discussions about drugs, suicide, violence, and sex.
  • Alerts you of inappropriate links that is shared with your child.
  • Alerts you of discussions that suggest cyberbulling.
  • Parents do not need to be on Facebook to receive alerts.
  • Watches your signs that your child’s account has been hacked.

Share Your Thoughts on Social Media Usage

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  • What is your thoughts on this study?
  • What are some other positive and negative effects you see of using Facebook?
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Sexualization of Girls in Media – New Report

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Sexualization of Girls Report by the APA

American Psychological Association came out with a report that shows girl as young as 4 and 5 years old are wearing new clothing styles such as push-up bras, thongs, mini skirts and other adult type outfits. Following the onslaught of media images girls see on TV, there is a changing standard born out of the pressure these images give to children to “get with it” or “fit in”. This report brings up the decrease in self-esteem and the increase in depressions and eating disorders linked to the increasing sexualization by the media. It also emphasizes the increasing underage sex rate.

Sexy Children Halloween Costumes
Please don't let your daughters dress like this

Defining Sexualization of Girls

The APA taskforce on the Sexualization of Girls was formed in response to these public concerns. The APA taskforce also produced reports on the Violence in Mass Media, Advertising to Children, Video Games and Interactive Media among other similar reports. The “sexualization” process was defined having one of the following criterias.

  • a persons’ value comes only from his or her sexual appeal or behavior, to the exclusion of other characteristics;
  • a person is held to a standard that equates physical attractiveness with being sexy;
  • a person is sexually objectified – that is, made into a thing for other’s sexual use, rather than seen as a person with the capacity for independent action and decision making; and/or
  • sexuality is inappropriately imposed on a person

Examples of Sexualization in Advertising

Sexualization of Girls is pervasive throughout all media. The report outlines a few categories:

  • Ads – Sketchers “Naughty & Nice” – featured Christina Aguilera dressed as a schoolgirl in pigtails with her shirt unbuttoned, licking a lollipop
  • Dolls – Bratz Dolls – dressed in sexualized clothing such as miniskirts, fishnet stocking, and feather boas
  • Clothing – thongs sized for 7-10 year old, some printed with slogans such as “wink wink”
  • TV – Televised Fashion show in which adult models in lingerie were presented as young girls.

In addition, I find the most powerful media messages are often a lot more subtle. It is true that the constant barrage of images of pretty women with questionable outfits changes what we consider the “norm” in terms of how we define “beauty” and what is “appropriate” behavior. However just as powerful, is the message found in the lifestyles of sitcom characters. People love watching sitcoms. They become attached to characters and they see the characters in the context of “life”. When people watch their beloved characters living a promiscuous lifestyle or behaving in a sexualized way (using their beauty to charm guys, chasing after pretty woman, gawking at a pretty girl who walks by) we take in these “behaviors” as normal reactions and how things actually are in the real world. We learn what is normal through what we observe in carefully constructed sitcoms that milk on what sells and let’s face it – sex sells.

Interesting Studies of Sexualization in Report

List of some interesting studies covered in the report:
Note that these bulletpoints are not at all comprehensive.

  • Sexualization inhibits Mental Capacity – Women who were in bathing suits trying to conduct a test did poorly then when wearing sweaters. Men found no such drop off. Thinking about the body and comparing to sexualized cultural ideals disrupted mental capacity.(Frederickson, Roberts, Noll, Quinn, & Twenge 1998; Gapinski, Brownsell, & LaFrance, 2003)
  • Mental Health Problems – Researched links sexualization with 3 of the most common mental health problem of girls and woman: eating disorders, low self-esteem, and depression (Abramson & Valene, 1991; Durkin & Paxton, 2002)
  • Diminishing Sexual Health – Self objectification linked directly with diminishing sexual health among adolescent girls measured by decreased condom use and sexual assertiveness. (Impett, Schooler, & Tomlman 2006). Negative effects such as shame due to sexualization may lead to sexual problems in adulthood (Brotto, Heiman & Tolman, in press)
  • Sexual Stereotypes – Girls and young woman who more frequently consume or engage with mainstream media content offer stronger endorsements of sexual stereotypes that depict women as sexual objects (Ward, 2002; Zurbriggen & Morgan, 2006)
  • Effects on Men – Exposure to narrow ideals of female sexual attractiveness make it difficult for some men to find an “acceptable” partner or to fully enjoy intimacy with a female partner (Schooler & Ward, 2006)

Problem of Sexualization of Girls is Deep

The problem is not just the clothing they wear or even what girls are learning about sex – the problem is that girls at a young age are being taught how to approach relationships and how to approach intimacy. Media is teaching girls that being sexy and using their sexuality is important. Even Disney is responsible for using pretty, skinny woman characters using their beauty to get what they want. In the real world, many big name celebrities also are using their “sexuality” for all it’s worth.

Parents: Protect Your Child from Sexualization!

The ultimate message is that parents must protect their child. Some may think it’s cute to allow their young daughter to wear t-shirts that say stuff like “Don’t cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me” (the main line from a popular song) or allow your daughters to those “cute” mini skirts or short-shorts that have things written on their bottoms. To buy them make-up kits as a child and teach them to adorn themselves with beauty products. But it won’t be funny when those very children becoming sexuality active by middle school and learn to objectify themselves, placing their self-worth on how they look.

Download & Read the Full “Sexualization of Girls” Report Below

  • Please let us know what other good pieces of statistics or information you find below in the comments section!
  • Also what are your thoughts about the Sexualization of Girls? Do you see it as a big problem?
  • What do you think we can do?

Summary: Executive Summary
Full Report: Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls (PDF, 408K)

The proliferation of sexualized images of girls and young women in advertising, merchandising, and media is harming girls’ self-image and healthy development. This report explores the cognitive and emotional consequences, consequences for mental and physical health, and impact on development of a healthy sexual self-image. – American Psychological Association

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Children Media Consumption: 7.5 Hours a Day

Children Consume nearly 8 hours of Media per Day

Kaiser Family Foundation released their most recent media usage study. Six years ago they found the usage of 8 to 18 year old was about 6 hours and 21 minutes of media consumption a day. This recent study shows that the media consumption rate has risen to 7 hours and 38 minutes. That is almost as much time as adults spend at work except remember that adults only work 5 days a week.

Youth Children Media Consumption Statistics

The amount of media consumed by children has always been a point of concern as media has been found to have great affects in molding a child’s view of the world. It has become all the more important that parents watch over what their children are consuming and what kind of message they are taking in.

Some things parents can do are to regulate what kind and what type of media their children consume. Another is to watch what your kids are watching together so you can explain how best to process the message it portrays. Another is to ensure internet safety for kids with tools that can supervise online activities.

With the proliferation of online media, increased video sharing, and mobile media – these numbers are shocking, yet they are not a surprise.

For the first time, Traditional TV consumption actually fell as other mediums such as video games, music, online media and movie watching has increased. What is even more wild is that kids are often watching multiple forms of media at once. The actual consumption of media was found to be closer to 10 hours and 45 minutes.

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TV Media’s Influence on Child Development

TV Media Influence on Child Development

“Several risks to pediatric health are literally staring children in the face. It’s time to call the doctor.”

Want to share this old, but great article from the Harvard Medical Alumni Bulletin. Very interesting points about how media cuts into many issues such as obesity, eating disorders, attention disorders, violence, sex, and drug use and how Medical Professionals need to deeply consider how much media has an influence on the development of these.

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France to Regulate Airbrushed & Photoshopping Pictures

France: Regulate those Manipulated Pictures!

This is going to create some interesting controversy. French lawmakers have decided to regulate airbrushing photos by requiring disclaimers on photos that are photoshopped or enhanced in any way. Image manipulation has been a practice going on since long before photoshop, to create stunning and perfect pictures for advertisement purposes. This action was taken as a way of fighting against body image issues at the source.

This disclaimer would be needed in newspapers, photos, magazines, political pieces, product packaging, art photography and any situation where there is a “retouched photograph aimed at changing a person’s physical appearance.”

Hours of Hair & Makeup followed by Hours of Photo Manipulation

Even after hours of hair and makeup styling, photos used in print often go through hours of photo manipulation. Some very common practices are to slim waistlines, slim the hips, lengthen the neck and legs, alter facial structures, increase symmetry, widen eyes, fix nose shape, have a woman’s breast lifted, change skin colors, add shadows, add tones, move eyebrows, remove bad marks, erase freckles, change the background, and stylize the hair. An altered photo can look dramatically different from the original.

Photoshopped Images - Amber Mac

The photo above is an example of what photoshop can do in a mere 5 minutes of photoshop work. During a 5 minute segment on Homepage, a show on CP24, Greg Danbrooke demonstrated how Photoshop is the real tool behind the perfection we see on magazine covers and billboards.

Check out the step by step difference here

Also if you haven’t seen the Dove Evolution Video watch it!

This law was proposed by French MP Valirie Boyer who also released a report on anorexia and bulimia. The concern has always been the effects of unrealistic body images has on young boys and girls. Starting at an early age a girl is exposed to so many images of beautiful celebrities, disproportionate barbie dolls, photos of women who have slender body types and seemingly perfect features. It is no wonder 62% of girls feel insecure about themselves and 81% of 10 years old fears getting fat.

“Many young people, particularly girls, do not know the difference between the virtual and reality, and can develop complexes from a very young age. In some cases this leads to anorexia or bulimia and very serious health problems.” – French MP Valerie Boyer

50+ French politicians have voiced their support for this legislation. The fine for breaking this law would be a fine of approximately $48K USD or 50% of the campaign costs.

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  • Do you think this law is a good idea or a bad idea?
  • Do you think this law should pass?
  • Is photoshopped bodies a detriment to self-image especially in children?

Please share your thoughts below!

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Clean Family Friendly Movie Reviews & Ratings

Pixar - Clean Family Friendly Movies

Clean Family Friendly Movie Reviews

Help us start a list of Clean Family Friendly Movies!

One of the goals of Clean Cut Media is to raise awareness of the influence of media on our culture and our Worldview. It is not an easy task as by nature much of what is written pushes up against what our culture would consider the norm. However, in addition to this primary goal, Clean Cut Media aims to also be a resource where people can come to find fresh perspectives and reviews on movies, music, tv shows, and other media.

It’s hard to find truly clean movies suitable for children

There are so many ways to watch or rent a movie. From Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, to Youtube, you can stream movies online at a flick of a finger, yet it is not an easy task to figure out which movies are wholesome, safe, and free of sexual innuendos, sex scenes, violence, vulgar scenes, and bad language. It’s nearly impossible outside of a few children’s movies (and even many of those are questionable). As someone who spends tons of time with youth students myself, it isn’t easy to find a definitive list of clean movies I can check out.

So I’d like to start a list of Clean Movies as well as Clean Family Friendly Movies so those who will find this post can have a list of movies they know is safe to watch both for their children and for themselves. Also, please contribute popular movies that seem safe at first glance.

Please Share Your List of Clean Movies & Clean Family Friendly Movies

Here is what you can do.

Comment below with the Names of Movies that you consider to be clean and/or family safe.

Please label them as Family Friendly / Clean

Clean Movie: This means no sex scenes, no or minimal sexual innuendos, no or minimal bad language, no excessive violence/gore, and no bad message!

Family Friendly: Basically would you take your 10-year-old daughter to this and be perfectly comfortable with what she is taking in?

Exceptions: I realize finding perfectly “clean” movies is really hard, so if you know of any movies that violate a portion of these categories, just notate it next to the name. You MUST note any amount of bad language, sexual innuendos, sexual scenes, bad message, violence – think about parents of very young kids who may want to use this list to choose a movie. The more information the better. Also if you know the RATING, please note it as well.

Please also contribute movies that come off as family-friendly but you found to be unacceptable as well as any popular movie titles! (Ex. The Later Shrek movies are NOT for kids! Tons of sexual innuendos and jokes). If you see movies below that do not have proper warnings, let us know!

Below are some samples to start off with. Please follow the general format.

I’ll update this as people comment. Red = Not Family Friendly

List of Clean / Family Friendly Movies [+ Unclean “Children” Films]

Movies Names Clean Family Friendly Exceptions
25th Hour [R] Lots of Bad Language
100 First Dates [PG-13] X X
30 Minutes or Less [R] “Horrible Language, Massively Inappropriate” “Horrifying” “Skipped through the whole film then turned it off”
12 Angry Men [PG] X X
A Little Princess[PG] X X
Adjustment Bureau, The [PG-13] X Some Sexuality
The Adventures of Tin Tin [PG] X X
The Adventures of the Wilderness Family Series [G] X X
Aladdin [G] X X Clean movie, other than how absurdly skinny the princess is as in all Disney movies. Beware of the impact!
All Dogs Go to Heaven [PG] X X
Amadeus [PG] X Director’s Cut is rated R for flash nudity & language
Amazing Grace [PG] X X
Angels in the Backfield [PG] X X Violence & Bad Language
Anne of Green Gables [PG] X
Annie [PG] X X
Ant Man [PG-13] X X
Antz [PG] X X
Apollo 13 [PG] Foul Language, Short sex scene in shower
Around the World in 80 Days [PG] X X Some Nude statues & Pictures
August Rush [PG] X X “very mild foul language” – Arica
Babe 1 & 2 [PG] X X
Back to the Future Series [PG] X Some bad language [see comments], some adult themes
Band of Brothers [NR] X War Violence, Sex Scene in Episode 9
Beaches [PG-13] X Some Adult Drama
Bedtime Stories [PG] X X
Bella [PG-13] X X Topic of Abortion & Sad Scene of Car Accident
Ben-Hur [NR] X X Violence during the race.
The Big Year [PG] X X Few Bad words, some sensuality. Sensual kissing scene b/w married couple. Clean, Family Film
Billy: The Early Years [G] X X
Black Beauty [G] X X
Black Stallion [G] X X
Blind Side, The [PG-13] X X  Some language typical of football players. Some images of alcohol drinking
Bolt [PG] X X
The Bourne Identity [PG-13] X Violence & Bad Language, Sensual Kissing, Characters sleep with each other despite knowing very little about each other
The Bourne Supremacy [PG-13] X Violence & Bad Language
The Bourne Ultimatum [PG-13] X Violence & Bad Language
Brave [PG] X X
Bridge to Terabithia [PG] X X
The Bucket List [PG-13] X Some Cursing & Sexual References
Bugs Life [G] X X
Cacoon [PG-13] X Brief Nudity? Someone please confirm.
Captain America [PG-13] X X Action/Violence
Captain America 2 [PG-13] X X
Captive 2015 [PG-13] X Drug Use
Cars [G] X X
Chariots of Fire [PG] X X
Charlotte’s Web [G] X X
Charly [PG] X X
Cheaper by the Dozen [PG] X X Sexual References, Schoolyard name calling
Chicken Run [G] X X I found this movie too scary for children under age of 4-5
Christmas Child [NR] X X
Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe [PG] X X
Cinderella Story [PG] X X
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs [PG] X X
Cool Runnings [PG] X Quick Kissing Scene, Some Foul Language
Cop and a Half [PG] X X Mild Language, Violence
Cop Out [R] “Horrible Language, Massively Inappropriate” “F every other word”
Courageous [PG-13] X
Cranford BBC Series [G] X X
Dead Man Walking [R] X Murder, Rape Scene at a distance, some bad language
Dead Silence [PG-13] X X Clean Language (some use of “hell”), Frightening scenes
Deep Impact [PG-13] X X
Deja Vu [PG-13] Violence & Terror
Die Hard: Live Free, Die hard [PG-13] X Violence & Bad Language
Despicable Me [PG] X X
Despicable Me 2 [PG] X X
Dumbo [G] X X
Dustin Checks In [PG] X X Mild Language, Sensuality
The Emperor’s New Groove [G] X X
Ella Enchanted [PG] X X
Encanto [PG] X X Encanto is one of the better films with good themes and messaging from Disney in my opinion.
End of the Spear [PG-13] X
Eternals [PG-13] Most Marvel movies has been relatively clean but this one is NOT. There is a sex scene (tho mostly covered) that would be completely unexpected for parents if taking kids thinking it’s just another Marvel movie. Be aware.
Evan Almighty [PG] X X
Ever After [PG] X X Death of Father & Scary Scene with Villian unsuitable for the very young
Facing the Giants [PG] X
Fiddler on the Roof [G] X X
Finding Nemo [G] X X
Fireproof [PG] X X
First Dog X X
Five Mile Creek Disney Series [NR] X X
Forrest Gump [PG-13]
Fried Green Tomatoes [PG-13] X X “very minimal language, sad death scene” – J Rae
Frozen [PG] X X Actually a good message about true love. Really flipped the script on “love at first site” and pining for a prince. Focused on sibling love. Awesome.
Frozen 2 [PG] X X
The Fugitive [PG-13] X X Violence. Murder Scene.
Galaxy Quest [PG] X X Older Kids 8+, minimal violence, positive msg
Gifted Hands The Ben Carson Story [NR] X X
Gladiator [R] X Extreme Violence
Glory Road [PG] X X
God’s not dead [PG] X
Goonies [PG] X Kids curse
Gravity [PG-13] X “Gravity has some foul language and would be very scary to a child.”
The Great Escape [NR] X X
The Greatest Game Ever Played [PG] X X
Groundhog Day [PG] X Romantic Comedy. Mild Profanity, No nudity but implied sex
Happy Feet [PG] X X
Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince [PG] X X Major Teen Love Drama
Heaven Can Wait [PG] X X
The Help [PG-13] X X Few scenes may be too mature for kids. 1 character suffers miscarriage, another victim of domestic violence, but viewers doesn’t see anything. Police office hits black woman. All around safe, clean film.
Hitch [PG-13] X Shows people in bed together before marriage
The Hobbit [PG-13] X Lot of Violence. Clean Film for Adults.
Home Alone [PG] X X
Homeward Bound Series [G] X X
Horton Hears a Who [G] X X
Hotel for Dogs [PG] X X
How to Train Your Dragon [PG] X X
Hugo [PG] X X
Ice Age [PG] X X
Ice Princess [G] X X
Inception [PG-13] X Violence. Slightly disturbing scenes. Suicide.
Indiana Jones Series [PG-13] X X Temple of Doom has some upsetting, graphic scenes.
Incredibles [G] X X
Infernal Affairs (Cantonese) [R] X Violence
The Inheritance Hallmark [NR] X X
Inside Out [PG-13] X X
Iron Giant [PG] X X
Iron Will [PG] X X
The Italian Job [PG-13] X Mild Language, Violence, Shows girl in bra
John Q [PG-13] X X
Jurassic Park [PG-13] X X
Jurassic World [PG-13] X Dinosaurs eating humans
Kings Speech [R] X One Scene where speech therapist has the main character curse the F word numerous times as part of the treatment. Other than that, it’s a clean movie.
Kung Fu Hustle [R] Mild and cartoon-like violence
Kung Fu Panda [G] X X
Lady and the Tramp [G] X X
The Lake House [PG] X Language, Disturbing Images
The Land Before Time [G] X X Entire Series
The Land of Oz [PG] X X
Lark Rises to Candleford BBC [NR] X X shows superstitions of village people
The Last Airbender [PG] X X
Last Chance Harvey [PG-13] X X
The Last Samurai [R] X Action/Violence/Gore Sensual Scene
The Lego Movie [PG] X X
Letters to Juliet [PG] X X
Life is Beautiful [PG-13] X Holocaust Themes
Life on Liberty Street [NR] X Holocaust Themes
Lilo & Stitch [PG] X X
Lion King [G] X X
Little Giants [PG] X X
Little Mermaid [G] X X “Does anyone find it problematic that the main character is barely wearing anything and is super skinny and what kind of effect it has on a girl’s self-perception and guy’s view towards girls? I do.” Another issue is the underlying theme of rebelling against her father, feeling I know what is best for me even as a child, and all to pursue a ‘love’ grounded on superficial things like looks and curiosity. Movie was fun, but the message.
Little Rascals [PG] X X #1 & #2
Love Comes Softely [NR] X X
Lord of the Rings – Fellowship of the Ring [PG-13] X X Violence
Lord of the Rings – Return of the King [PG-13] X X Violence
Lord of the Rings – Two Towers [PG-13] X X Violence
Lorenzo’s Oil [PG-13] X X
Madagascar [PG] X X
The Magic of Ordinary Days Hallmark [NR] X X
A Man for All Seasons [G] X X
Mandie and the Secret Tunnel [NR] X X
Masterless [PG-13] X X
The Matrix [R] X
Marry Poppins [G] X X
The Messengers [PG-13] X X Clean Language, Frightening scenes
Miracle [PG] X X
Miracle Dogs [N/A] X X #1 & #2
Miss Potter [PG] X X Mild Language
Mission Impossible 3 [PG-13] X Intense Action
Moana [PG] X X Clean Movie. Note there is definitely a bit of a theme around a child believing they know better than parents and taking risks, but it’s not as bad as other films. Lack of “romantic” story is refreshing.
Monsters Inc [G] X X
Monsters & Aliens [PG] X X Potty Humor
Moondance Alexander [G] X X
Mulan [G] Animated X X
Muppets, The [G] X X
My Big Fat Greek Wedding [PG-13] X Non-sexual scene, but implied between unwed partners
My Girl [PG] X X
Nanny Mcfee [PG] X X
My Spy [PG] X X Clean. Fun.
Napolean Dynamite [PG] X X It’s one of those love it or hate it movies..
National Treasure [PG] X X
The Negotiator [R] X Violence & Bad Language
Newsies [PG] X X
Night at the Museum [PG] X X Mild Flirting, Checking a girl out, can be a little scary for very young children
The North and South BBC [NR] X X
Oliver and Company [G] X X
The Other Guys [PG-13] “Horrible Language, Massively Inappropriate” Not for Kids.
Overboard [PG] Some Bad Language & Sexual Content
Passion of the Christ [R] Gore, Beatings
Pay it Forward [PG-13] X Mature Elements, Substance Abuse, Sad Parts, Sexual Citations, Language
Penelope [PG] X X Some Innuendo
Perfect Man [PG] X X
Pink Panther 2006 [PG] Beyonce’s clothing are tight fitting & revealing. Sexual innuendos. Should be PG-13.
Pirates of the Caribbean [PG-13] X X Some Violence
Pride & Prejudice [PG] X X
Prince of Egypt [PG] X X
Princess Bride [PG] X X
Princess Dairies [G] X X
Protocol [PG] Some Bad Language & Sexual Content
Pursuit of Happiness [PG-13] X X Some Bad Language
Raising Arizona [PG-13] X X
Raising Helen [PG-13] X Thematic theme issues involving teens
Ratatouille [G] X X
Remember the Titans [PG] X X
Return to Snowy River [PG] X X Mild Language
Road to Avonlea Sullivan Series [G] X X
The Rookie [G] X X
Saints & Soldiers [PG-13] Originally rated R, cut down to lower rating, War Violence. Mormon Sniper?
The Sandlot [PG] X X For-e-ver. For-e-ver. (#1 & 2 both OK)
Saving Private Ryan [R] X Lots of Violence (War Movie)
Schindler’s List [R] Violence, Holocaust Themes
Second Hand Wedding [PG] X X Young Couple living together. Teenage Appropriate
The Secret Garden [G] X X
Secret of Nimh [G] X X Both #1 and 2 are clean
Secrets of Jonathan Sperry [PG] X X Both #1 and 2 are clean
Series of Unfortunate Events [PG] X Dark / Sad Movie
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers [G] X X
Seven Pounds [PG-13] Sexual Content, Bad Language, Adult Theme [Suicide]
Shadowlands [PG] X X
The ShawShank Redemption [R] Bad Language, Prison Violence
Shrek 3 [PG] Tons of Sexual Innuendos, Adult Humor
Sign of the Beaver [N/A] X X
Signs [PG-13] X X Few curse words, scary but no gore
Sixth Sense [PG-13] X There is a scene where you see a fuzzy silhouette of the wife in the shower. The focus in the scene is elsewhere though. Too scary for kids.
Sleepless in Seattle [PG] X X Two bad words, couple sexual innuendos
Social Network [R] Not Clean – that’s why its Rated R!
Somewhere in Time [PG] X X
Soul [PG] X X Topics are around death and afterlife.
Spy Kids [PG] X X
Stand and Deliver [PG] X X
Star Trek [PG-13] Several Sexual Innuendos, Short Sexual Scene
Star Wars – Original Trilogy [PG] X X
Stardust [PG-13] X Fantasy Violence, Risque Humor
Stormbreaker [PG] X X PG for Action Sequences
Stuart Little [PG] X X Includes: Stuart 1, 2 and 3
Sugarland Express [PG] X X Great for Older kids. Young won’t get the humor.
Summer of the Monkeys [G] X X
Sweet Home Alabama [PG-13] X Language, Sexual References
Sword in the Stone [G] X X
Sydney White [PG-13] X Mild Language, Sexual Humor, Partying, Nudity implied but not seen
The Tale of Despereaux [G] X X
Tarzan [G] X X
Thor [PG-13] X
Though None Go With Me [PG] X X
Time Traveler’s Wife [PG-13] Rear End Nudity, Sexuality, Bad Language
Total Recall [R] 1990 Version. Profanity, Violence, Bed Scene
Toy Story [G] X X
Toy Story 2 [G] X X
Toy Story 3 [G] X X A little intense for young kids. Sneaky reference to “Nice As..cot”
The Treasure Seekers [N/A] X X
True Grit [PG-13] X Violence
Truman Show [PG] X X
Try Try Again [N/A] X X
Two Week’s Notice [PG-13] X Sexual Related Humor, Language
The Ultimate Gift [PG] X X
Unbreakable [PG-13] X X
UP [PG] X X
US Marshall [PG-13] X X
The Village [PG-13] X X No Cursing, Some frightening scenes
A Walk to Remember [PG] X X Some Sensual Material
Wall-E [G] X X
Wallace & Gromit [G] X X
The Waterhorse [PG] X X
Veggie Tales [G] X X Includes all Veggie Tale Titles. See Comments for Fuller List
The Wager [N/A] X X Family Friendly
War Horse [PG-13] X
War Room [PG] X
We are Marshall [PG] X X “grab your box of tissue! it’s sad- tells the story of a town and how they dealt with the tradegy of their football team’s plane crash- sad but definately uplifting!”

Note: At least 7 “s” words, 10 hells, 5 damns and few others.

We Were Soldiers [R] X “Extreme Violence, but Excellent Message”
What Dreams May Come [PG-13] X X
The Winter Stallion [N/A] X X
What the Deaf Man Heard Hallmark [NR] NA NA
When Calls teh Heart [TV] X X
When Zachary Beaver Came to Town [PG] X X
White You Were Sleeping [PG] X X Some Sexual References and Kissing. Mild Language
Wild Hearts Can’t be Broken [PG] X X Mild Language
Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) [G] X X May be scary for small children
World War Z [PG-13]
The Young Victoria [PG] X X “some sensual material bw the married couple but no sexual scenes, mild language”
You’ve Got Mail [PG] X Father & Grandfather being involved with series of younger women portrayed as humorous. Scene about Cyber Sex. People living together before marriage. Parents should explain talking to strangers online is never good.
Zathura [PG] X X
Zeus and Roxanne [PG] X X “Zeus is a little dog and Roxanne is a dolphin, and how they manage to bring a lonely man with a son and a career woman with two teenagers together. Sweet movie!”

Please take a minute to contribute some movies!
It would help a lot if you noted the movie rating!

This will take a long while to become a comprehensive list but slowly and surely we’ll build out this list!

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Video Gamers at Risk for Health Problems

Boy Staring - Video GamesThe Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) came out with a study this week that suggests that gaming habits developed as a youth carries with them into adulthood. Specifically those who played video games as a child or a teenager have a trend to become inactive and have more health issues.

The study included 552 adults between 19 and 90 in the Washington State area. Gaming once was considered a children centric activity but in this study, 50% of gamers were found to be within the 18 to 49 age while 25% were 50 and older. Those in the younger age between 8 to 34 showed many signs of addiction.

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“More Beautiful You” by Jonny Diaz

Here in Clean Cut Media, we often discuss the media’s harmful influence on young girls. For example.

“More Beautiful You” by Jonny Diaz: Message

Jonny Diaz - More Beautiful YouThis song “More Beautiful You” was written by Jonny Diaz, a young Christian man, who desired to tell women not to buy into the lies of the media and that what makes them beautiful is not external but within their heart. It’s been climbing the music charts and create a lot of buzz because of the truth in the message. It is a beautiful piece of work and the lyrics are well written.

Have a listen. Lyrics are below.

Get the Song Here:

Jonny Diaz’s Message

“The idea that they need to look a certain way in order to be feel beautiful is completely false,” Diaz explains. “Through this song I hope to get the attention of females and tell them the truth found in God’s word, that there could never be a more beautiful you!”

“More Beautiful You” LYRICS by Jonny Diaz

LITTLE GIRL FOURTEEN FLIPPING THROUGH A MAGAZINE
SAYS SHE WANTS TO LOOK THAT WAY
BUT HER HAIR ISN’T STRAIGHT HER BODY ISN’T FAKE
AND SHE’S ALWAYS FELT OVERWEIGHT

WELL LITTLE GIRL FOURTEEN I WISH THAT YOU COULD SEE
THAT BEAUTY IS WITHIN YOUR HEART
AND YOU WERE MADE WITH SUCH CARE YOUR SKIN YOUR BODY AND YOUR HAIR
ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY THEY ARE

THERE COULD NEVER BE A MORE BEAUTIFUL YOU
DON’T BUY THE LIES DISGUISES AND HOOPS THEY MAKE YOU JUMP THROUGH
YOU WERE MADE TO FILL A PURPOSE THAT ONLY YOU COULD DO
SO THERE COULD NEVER BE A MORE BEAUTIFUL YOU

LITTLE GIRL TWENTY-ONE THE THINGS THAT YOU’VE ALREADY DONE
ANYTHING TO GET AHEAD
AND YOU SAY YOU’VE GOT A MAN BUT HE’S GOT ANOTHER PLAN
ONLY WANTS WHAT YOU WILL DO INSTEAD

WELL LITTLE GIRL TWENTY-ONE YOU NEVER THOUGHT THAT THIS WOULD COME
YOU STARVE YOURSELF TO PLAY THE PART
BUT I CAN PROMISE YOU THERE’S A MAN WHOSE LOVE IS TRUE
AND HE’LL TREAT YOU LIKE THE JEWEL YOU ARE

SO TURN AROUND YOU’RE NOT TOO FAR
TO BACK AWAY BE WHO YOU ARE
TO CHANGE YOUR PATH GO ANOTHER WAY
IT’S NOT TOO LATE YOU CAN BE SAVED
IF YOU FEEL DEPRESSED WITH PAST REGRETS
THE SHAMEFUL NIGHTS HOPE TO FORGETS
CAN DISAPPEAR THEY CAN ALL BE WASHED AWAY
BY THE ONE WHO’S STRONG CAN RIGHT YOUR WRONGS
CAN RID YOUR FEARS DRY ALL YOUR TEARS
AND CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT THIS BIG WORLD
HE WILL TAKE YOUR DARK DISTORTED VIEW
AND WITH HIS LIGHT HE WILL SHOW YOU TRUTH
AND AGAIN YOU’LL SEE THROUGH THE EYES OF A LITTLE GIRL

Short Tutorial on Jonny Diaz’s “More Beautiful You”

For those who enjoy learning the songs as much as hearing them.

Hope you enjoyed it.
Get the Song Here:


Please Comment Below and let us know what you thought of the song!

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Protect our Bubble Babies with Our Stuff

Get your saline-soaked, aloe-treated, grape-scented tissues for your child! It’ll make blowing your child’s nose safe and fun! Don’t let him feel discomfort. Be a good parent.

In the Kiddie-Safety Industrial Complex, parents are gobbling up hitherto unheard-of stuff like those Boogie Wipes tissues, toy wagons with seat belts, sure-grip gloves for lifting baby out of the bath, and even knee pads for babies to wear when they start to crawl over that crushed glass you chose instead of carpeting for the nursery.

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Ever Fading Sensitivity to Violence in Media

Schindlers List Movie LogoWu Fei (吴非), is a school teacher who often contributes to several different newspapers and textbooks. She maintains a blog that covers issues in contemporary education. Utilizing the movie Schindler’s List she wrote a post discussing the need to be careful in the way we expose children to the tragedies of human history and the evil of humanity. She believes there needs to be an emphasis on kindness and understanding or these cruelties can be taken the wrong way.

Personally, I really like the post, because it indirectly brings up the issue of our ever fading sensitivity to what we should be viewing with disgust and shame. That is media’s influence at it’s best.

I’ve pasted the entire translation below.
Credit to Danwei for the translation.

Unendurable Brutality

by Wu Fei

The script to Schindler’s List has been selected for inclusion in a middle school textbook.* From the standpoint of both language arts and humanities education, this is a necessary step forward. Secondary education should make students aware that the history of human civilization contains such instances of violence against civilization and humanity.

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Unnaturally Beautiful Children: Image & Beauty

In 2004, a survey by NPD Group showed that on average, girls started to use beauty products at the age of 17. Today that average is 13.

Influence of Media on Children & Beauty

There’s a scene in “Toddlers & Tiaras,” the TLC reality series, where 2-year-old Marleigh is perched in front of a mirror, smothering her face with blush and lipstick. She giggles as her mother attempts to hold the squealing toddler still, lathering her legs with self-tanner. “Marleigh loves to get tan,” her mom says, as the girl presses her face against the mirror.

Children's Perception of Beauty
Children’s Perception of Beauty (Newsweek)

The quote above is about Marleigh, one of the pageant girls on the show. Does anyone find something disturbing about this picture? She is two years old. Unfortunately the ridiculousness of this scene doesn’t end on screen, it is a depiction of our current generation.

What do these shows have in common? “Extreme makeover”, “I Want a Famous Face” “Little Miss Perfect” “Toddlers & Tiaras”. These are shows centered around raising the bar of what is considered the norm when it comes to beautifying our children.

With reality TV shows, thousands of beauty product commercials, air-brushed magazine ads, and beautiful celebrities adorning every movies we watch, the norm of the importance of beauty has changed dramatically. In 2004, a survey by NPD Group showed that on average, girls started to use beauty products at the age of 17. Today that average is 13.
 See some more Children Beauty Statistics
But even that figure could be an overstatement. According to a market research firm Experian,

  • 43 percent of 6 to 9 year olds are already using lipstick or lip gloss
  • 38 percent are using hairstyling products
  • 12 percent use other other cosmetic products

By the time they are 50 years old, an average women would have spent nearly $300,000 on just their hair and face according to Newsweek’s research on beauty trends (noted below). But is this surprising considering girls ages 11 to 14 are exposed to 500+ advertisements per day? 8 to 12 years old already spend $40+ million a month on beauty products according to NPD Group. Teenagers? $100 Million.

More Statistics on Beauty

  • Cosmetic Surgery Procedures for Under 18 – Doubled last 10 years
  • 14% of Botox injections given to 19-34 age group, seeking “preventative treatments”
  • [American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery]
  • 42% of 1st to 3rd Graders want to be thinner
  • 81% of 10 years olds fear getting fat

“When you have tweens putting on firming cream… it’s clear they’re looking for imaginary flaws,” – Harvard psychologist Nancy Etcoff

Full Article on Beauty

True Cost of Lifetime Beauty

Economy got you down? Trying to pinch a few pennies here and there? How about cutting out on some beauty products and enhancements! See the chart below.

Tweens Teen/20s 30-40s 50s Lifetime
Hair $1,260 $15,761 $23,640 $169,274 $209,935
Face $3,900 $32,684 $108,660 $21,840 $167,084
Body $0 $10,586 $17,820 $16,366 $44,772
Hands/Feet $2,010 $6,834 $8,040 $10,452 $27,336
Totals $7,170 $65,865 $158,160 $217,932 $449,127

See Beauty Spend Breakdown Here

  • What are your thoughts about young children and teens spending so much time and money on beautifying themselves?
  • How about Adults?
  • What can be done to help push up against our image driven culture?
  • Can anything be done?
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Monsters vs Aliens: Movie Review for Parents & Children

Monsters vs Aliens Movie Logo
Monsters vs Aliens Movie Logo

Monsters vs Aliens (2009)

Primary Audience: Kids, Family, Teens, Adults
Genre: Animation, Sci-Fi, Family, Kids, Comedy
Length: 1 Hour 34 Minutes
Rated: PG

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Will Arnett, Kiefer Sutherland, Stephen Colbert, Hugh Laurie, Rainn Wilson, Paul Rudd, Renee Zellweger
Director: Rob Letterman (Shark Tale), Conrad Vernon (Shrek 2)
Producer: DreamWorks Animation

Dreamworks vs Pixar

Finding Nemo. Toy Story. Cars. What do these films have in common? They were considered excellent, well made films great for the family and safe for children. Each were produced by Pixar who now holds both the benefit as well as the burden of increasingly high expectations. Every year, we expect a clean and great blockbuster to come out of Pixar Studios.

Then there is Dreamworks Animation, film studio of “Monsters vs Aliens”. Dreamwork films have always been a mixed bag. They’ve had great, safe animated films such as Shrek, Antz, Prince of Egypt and Kungfu Panda. But they’ve also had shockers such as Shrek 2, full of really inappropriate adult themed content which unfortunately went on to be their biggest grosser to date. Money talks and the success they’ve found catering to the adult audience will only further more such films. Unfortunately many people were caught off guard as many of these films are presented as family friendly movies.

How about Monsters vs Aliens? It continues Dreamwork’s long tradition of movies. Good fun movie but with occasional potty humor and inappropriate scenes.

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