Is Kyle XY to sexual for the ABC Family Channel?

[space_invader64]

I'm not one of these wacos that try to stop people from watching what they are going to watch; but do you think ABC Family is the right place for the show?  I think that something called the family channel should be safe for kids to watch without learing about pornography, casual sex, and other sexual elements.

here is a link to a parent's site to reviews movies and tv shows.

http://www.pluggedinonline.com/tv/television/a0002860.cfm

Please don't misunderstand, I like and watch the show but I think maybe it should be on another channel.  Or maybe ABC Family should change their name along with the format. 

I totally believe that Star Trek, Star Wars, Sliders, Quantom Leap, The Twilight Zone, Beoynd Belif Fact or Fiction, ET, Indiana Jones, Back to the Future and many other movies and TV shows have positive messages and don't come with the more mature subject matter.  This is really how I prefer my scifi.

I do feel conflicted because I like the show.  The two episodes from this season that have aired were clean.  I hope the show stays on this course.

What do all of you guys think?

[Locutus]

Well, I've never watched the show, but I feel that sex is a part of life, and while it should probably not be graphically portrayed, mentioning it in the correct context; i.e. learning to be respectful about sex, and maybe even a discussion of safe sex; should not be excluded from a show that, from what I can see, is for young teens and above.

Star Trek alluded to sex many times. So did Quantum Leap, Raiders of the Lost Arc, and Back to the Future.  It wasn't graphic, and if that is what is on the show, then no, it probably doesn't belong on this channel.

But the simple fact is, kids are having sex earlier than we prefer them to, and if they learn about safe sex practices, maybe we could drastically decrease if not all but abolish unwanted teen pregnancy and the proliferation of STDs like herpes and genital warts.

Considering that many (not all) parents seem to take no interest in providing their kids with good sexual advice, and pretty much just say "Don't do it!", I applaud teen material that treats them like thinking humans and gives good, useful information.

[Rico]

Locutus - a very well thought out reply.  Mine is much more basic.  If you don't like the show or what it is about then turn it off or watch something else.  By the way, I think every TV show these days is actually rated.  What is Kyle XY rated?

[space_invader64]

Yes, sex is part of life.  If it were on the SCIFI channel I would think too much about it.  We all know that Scifi and horror have stuff that is not always for younger eyes and ears.  But it bothers me to sit kids in front of the family channel and have to be careful about what they hear and see.

[Locutus]

Thanks Rico. And I agree, there is the "If you don't like it, don't watch it" part of the equation. Still, the question of whether it belongs on this particular channel would depend on the context.

I also think that, since he doesn't have a navel (Kyle X/Y, not Rico, although I have no proof of this), sex is going to be a part of the show; reproduction, at the basic minimum.

[Geekyfanboy]

Well I think parents should always be careful of what your kids watch on TV, regardless of the network/channel.

ABC Family Channel has a wide range of viewers.  The word "Family" doesn't mean young children, for that matter "Family" doesn't even mean kids.

[space_invader64]

I do agree with both of you.

The show is rated TV14.  And the episode in question aired warnings about the content of the episode.

There was this one thing that made me think, this aired on the family channel? Kyle was swimming.  And there is this thing that happens to boys that I don't want to say because I know these boards are family frendly.  You get the idea.  And they made him cover up with a towel. His foster brother suggested that dirty magizines could be the answer.

I know this is a part of teenage life and that brings artistic value to it and it should be made and shown.  

But kids find things and start watching before their parents even know what they are watching.

[Locutus]

So, now that we know the context, I think that was fine, and a good launching point to an important discussion.

I also agree with STF5 - parents should be aware of their kids viewing habits, and have some system in place to regulate that. Ideally, if parents teach their kids to respect the parents wishes, kids will ask about the show, and parents can stay informed. I know that's not always possible. Hence the word "ideally".

Lets play supposition for a moment: Imagine if you are teenage boy, and you've never seen anything like that before. You have that "problem". It freaks you out. You don't want to ask anyone, because you are afraid of them laughing at you for being stupid, or being afraid of you for being a bad person. Then you watch an episode of your favorite show - Kyle X/Y. He has the same problem. Oh, wow! Now you know it's not just you, and according to the show, every guy goes through that. Suddenly, you are able to discuss the "problem" and get the rest of the facts from your parents.

I think this is a good thing. It opens up discussion, and lets kids know they are not alone, which they usually feel they are.

[space_invader64]

That is very true.

Another thing I do like is that Kyle's foster daughter, has sex with her boyfriend.  She soon regrets it.  This could be a lesson about not giving in before you're ready.

[Locutus]

Exactly. With a little conversation and parental involvement, these shows can be looked at as teaching tools, albeit obtuse ones at times, and not just brain candy.

Even though there's nothing wrong with the occasional piece of brain candy.

[space_invader64]

Anyone else think that KYLE maybe should be part of the next skype podcast disscussion?  I think the heroes season 2 premere will be close to the KYLE XY finally.

[markinro]

I've been watching since the start and it centered around teens.    While its not a 90210 or The OC, there have been a few times when I said out loud "HELLOOOO -- Family Channel !!??".   Once, I remember they have posted the "some scenes are not for the younger viewer" message.   Maybe if they move the show to 9pm.   I don't have kids so its difficult to relate.   I watch mostly for the mystery surrounding Kyle.