Information for Parents

Beyond the Lights

Beyond the Lights

Common Sense Media Age 14

Parents Need To Know

Positive Messages
Exposes the negative impact of hyper-sexualizing young women in the performing arts, particularly pop music: Young singers shouldn't have to be super sexy to sell records; they should be allowed to develop as singers rather than objects of desire. Also argues that suicide attempts shouldn't be covered up; those with suicidal tendencies need help to work through their issues.
Positive Role Models & Representations
Violence
Noni tries to commit suicide by jumping off of a hotel balcony (Kaz saves her). Kid Culprit is rough and overly sexual with Noni during their award show performance and rips her outfit. Macy slaps Noni. Kaz punches Kid Culprit.
Sex
Noni and Kaz make love several times in different positions and locations; viewers see bare backs, shoulders, and sides. Noni and Kid Culprit discuss "hitting it" and kiss a couple times. Kid makes vulgar gestures during a live performance; he pushes Noni's head toward his genitals and her body onto a bed. Noni wears revealing outfits.
Language
Occasional "s--t," "bulls--t," "a--hole," "bitch," "damn," and one "f--k." English slang like "bloody," "shite," "arse."
Consumerism
Mostly car makes and electronics: Escalade, Chevy, iPhone.
Education Value
Ease of Play
Privacy
Adults drink (a couple of times straight from a bottle) in clubs and at parties. Noni says she had too much to drink as a reason for "falling" off the balcony.
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