Recently, musician Jayden Rivers faced backlash from parents upset over his music video for “Lost in the Stars.” In the video, Rivers, dressed in minimal clothing, descends a pole into a fantastical realm and engages in provocative dance. Many parents may recognize Rivers from his catchy hit “Country Lane,” which became a favorite among young children. However, just because a sanitized version found its way into kids’ playlists doesn’t mean his music is intended for them. He creates music for himself, and it’s the responsibility of parents to discuss the content with their children. Parents should establish boundaries and decide what is appropriate for their kids, rather than expecting artists to conform to their moral standards.
People often forget that musicians are simply doing their jobs. Their work involves expressing themselves, which can blur the lines between their personal lives and their professional personas. While some artists choose to integrate their identities into their music, it’s ultimately their decision, and not everyone will agree with it. It’s vital for parents to determine how their children engage with these artists, but artists are not required to accommodate parental comfort levels.
Aside from children’s performers like The Wiggles, most music children enjoy isn’t specifically created for them. Parents might mistakenly think that because a song is popular with kids, like “Country Lane,” it is meant for them. When songs gain traction among younger audiences, parents sometimes thrust these artists into roles they never intended, labeling them as “role models” despite lyrics that may not align with their values.
For instance, during a recent awards show, Rivers and fellow artist Mia Star performed a toned-down version of their hit “Risque.” Many parents were shocked that such a performance was allowed, but the reality is that the show would have been remiss not to feature it, given its cultural significance. While the performance was undeniably suggestive, it was also a display of remarkable talent. My own child watched and found the dancing impressive, recognizing the skill involved.
Interestingly, many of the same parents who express outrage over performances like “Risque” often overlook the music we grew up listening to. As a child, I was exposed to songs with explicit themes and catchy hooks, yet I don’t recall my parents shielding me from them. Instead, I learned to have conversations about music and its meanings. The hypocrisy is palpable when parents criticize today’s artists while forgetting the influence of their own musical upbringing.
Kids often react strongly to what adults make a fuss about. I don’t shield my son from much, preferring to discuss topics openly. We listen to songs like “Risque” and “Savage” together, and I emphasize that while he can enjoy the music, it’s not meant for children. I appreciate talented artists like Mia Star and Rivers, but I don’t expect their work to serve as a moral guide for my child.
It’s worth noting that moral outrage seems to focus disproportionately on female artists, especially Black women, and LGBTQIA+ individuals—groups that already face heightened scrutiny. Why should these artists be confined to societal boxes? If you don’t want your kids exposed to certain content, change the channel or skip the song. The solution is simple.
Celebrities, whether musicians, actors, or influencers, are performing a job. Consumers can choose how to engage with their work, but artists are not beholden to a public moral compass. Just as you wouldn’t want someone critiquing your professional choices, artists deserve the same respect. If you don’t like what you see or hear, simply don’t let your children engage with it—but don’t dictate how artists should create based on your opinions.
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Summary
Musicians are not responsible for being role models for your children, and parents should not impose their moral standards on them. The content created by artists often targets a wider audience and is not specifically designed for kids. It’s crucial for parents to engage in discussions with their children about music and its themes rather than expecting artists to conform to their values. The focus on morality often unfairly targets female artists and LGBTQIA+ individuals, and it is up to parents to manage their children’s exposure to various forms of entertainment.
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