You Can’t Judge a Teen by Its (Album) Cover
Music’s been blamed for all sorts of things, from infecting teens with devilish sexual urges to causing them to commit murder. Yet, rarely has anyone suggested that what a teen listens to is indicative of any deep-seated disorder–until now.
According to a recent study by the Australasian Psychiatry journal, a teen’s music tastes can be a useful diagnostic indicator for mental health and behavioral issues, from sexuality (pop) to violent tendencies (rap) and suicide & depression (heavy metal). Doctors are being urged to ask teens what their tastes are, to determine if they’re at risk.
Teens may listen to music as a therapeutic outlet, and many wear their music tastes on their sleeve (literally) in order to communicate something about themselves. But that doesn’t mean we as librarians should take the next step and make judgments or assumptions about a teen’s inner-life. What’s important is respecting teens and providing them with opportunities to let that inner-life find expression at their library–or opportunities to let teens explore those feelings further with information and media that speaks to them.
If there’s anything to take from this article, I hope it’s not that you should be on suicide watch for any teen with a HIM t-shirt. Instead, taking interest in the teens’ music interests, listening to what they say, and learning from it will help you engage teens in a way that doesn’t just speak to them, but sings to them, raps to them, or even screams to them.
Joseph Wilk
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Teen
Many times we read books that relate to what we are going through in our lives, same as lyrics in music. Teens also listen to music based on what lyrics appeal to them because they can relate…or maybe it is because they think the artist is sexy…or the music is popular with their friends…or maybe because someone recommended it to them…I must admit I have listened to music that had questionable lyrics because I loved the music, not because I was suicidal. My daughter’s friends send her music that has shocking lyrics…I think that is why they like to share it, for the shock value.
Music may be a way into a teens head, not based on what they listen to but why it appeals to them…It may be because they can relate to the suicidal lyrics, or maybe they like the music video.
Julie, I am in wholehearted agreement. Thank you for your elaboration!
Thanks so much for your emphasis on listening, and steering clear of assumption or judgement — I must admit, that study makes me cringe a bit! Your post is a welcome reminder that open communication and expression is our best strategy, always!
Musical lyrics are often poetry and can be used as a gateway to introduce teens to literature; librarians can take a students interest and turn it into a love for reading.
And this isn’t even getting into the whole movie thing. When my psychologist asked me what my favorite movie was, I said I didn’t know instead of telling her the truth: it’s Heathers, but I didn’t want her to treat me like a psychopath!