The Effects of Punk Rock on Adolescents

Themes of Punk Rock

• Punk rock music is often characterized by an aggressive, confrontational energy demonstrating anti-establishment attitudes. The punk rock scene developed in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia in the mid-1970s as a response to government policies, a rebellion against social norms and a way for youth populations to express their rejection of conformist thinking. Many of the early punk rock bands incorporated lyrics questioning political practices and challenging authoritarian figures. Themes that address sometimes taboo topics might cause conservative-thinking parents to worry. The ideas creating the foundation for punk rock music, however, might actually support your teen in becoming an independent, self-sustained and intelligent individual.

A Sense of Community

• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, adolescents in the U.S. listen to music, on average, two to three hours a day. Teens turn to music as an outlet for improving their mood, a coping mechanism to handle their problems and a way to establish a sense of belonging. Punk rock advocates from all generations support the notion that listening to punk music creates a sense of community for those participating. Punk rockers follow the idea that people are equal and diversity should be tolerated. By listening to punk rock music and being a member of a community, your teen is learning how to take a stand for a cause and connect with those who share thoughts and feelings.

Social Progress

• Because most punk rock songs deal with political and social awareness, adolescents gain exposure to different levels of social thinking and how this applies to everyday life. Greg Graffin, lead singer from the band Bad Religion, expresses on the website Punk History 101 that "punk is a reflection of what it means to be human." Being involved in a punk rock scene is a way for your teen to use his mind to question matters about life and his environment. Questioning one's place in the world and the way social establishments are created is a natural activity for all human beings. Philanthropist John Kluge, writing at Forbes.com, explains how a punk rock attitude is necessary for meaningful social change and progress to occur. Kluge discusses how punk rock advocates tend to adopt a do-it-yourself attitude to life and a fearlessness for taking on challenging projects. Your teen can benefit from exposure to these fundamental aspects of building a strong personal character.

Differing Viewpoints

• Adolescents' musical preferences in their younger years can affect their level of behavioral problems in adolescence, according to a study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics. For example, a 12-year-old whose musical taste includes punk rock, heavy metal or hip-hop music shows tendencies for increased levels of delinquent behavior by the age of 16. While this study demonstrates a correlation between musical preference and later behaviors in adolescence, the researchers emphasize that further studies are necessary to determine what other factors might be affecting behavioral outcomes -- something which was not addressed in their original study. As long as parents are mindful of and engaged in their teen's upbringing and well-being, musical preferences and choice of cultural participation can be explored in a healthy way.