Response from Family reZoey101

[calliemom]

Hi All! Thought you might be interested in a email I received from the Family Channel regarding my concern for them still airing Zoey 101. What I originally said to them is that I don't think that Miss Jamie Lynn Spears sets a good example for young girls (being 16 years old, unwed and pregnant), and that still airing the show on Family was a little concerning to me. And here is there response:

Thank you for your comments regarding Jamie Lynn Spears and her reported pregnancy. We do value our viewers’ opinions and have carefully considered your comments.



Jamie Lynn Spears’ reported pregnancy came as a surprise to many, including Family Channel. In carefully weighing the situation we believe that the actress made a personal choice and is taking responsibility for her actions. She has committed no crime and it is certainly not our place to comment or pass judgment on her personal decisions.



With regard to the series in which she stars: Family Channel will continue to air repeat broadcasts of Zoey 101. The content of the past three seasons of the series remain unchanged by the personal life of its star and we feel the series puts forward positive messages and portrayals for today’s youth.



We fully concede that there will be parents who do not agree with this decision and may not allow their children to continue to view this series. Family Channel has always strongly encouraged parents to be aware of what their children are watching and to limit or restrict programming that they feel is not suitable or appropriate for their children.



Jamie Lynn Spears has made some personal decisions that others may or may not support, but to withdraw the series from the channel and make it unavailable to the thousands who enjoy the show would be unfair.



We sincerely hope that you continue to watch Family Channel. The decision as to whether you continue to watch Zoey 101 is expressly yours to make. We sincerely appreciate your comments however and applaud your concern as a parent.

Sincerely,

Eva @ Family

 

[trivial]

I agree with Family 100%. Ultimately, I think if parents are uncomfortable with their children continuing to watch the show, they should forbid it by way of monitoring what they watch. I'm not sure that's necessary, and I certainly don't think the network should be pressured into pulling the show.

 

[highland3]

I agree with Family 100%. Ultimately, I think if parents are uncomfortable with their children continuing to watch the show, they should forbid it by way of monitoring what they watch. I'm not sure that's necessary, and I certainly don't think the network should be pressured into pulling the show.

 

[sean-1966]

Let me offer a look behind the curtain, so to speak. Family channel has paid for Zoey 101, and I would imagine has paid quite a bit. If they pull the show off air they would have to purchase another show to replace it. A bad financial decision. Now if the producers decide to cancel the show then Family Channel is off the hook. Now that might happen, depending on the pressure that they recieve. If you want to e-mail somebody figure out who produces the show and contact them. Family Channel, especially Family Channel here in Canada, really do nothing more than air programs that they purchase. Now my opinion. Jamie Spears should be pulled off the air. She can no longer be a role model to young girls. I've never watched the show and know nothing about it. But a 16 year old girl who is preagnant cannot
be portrayed as a wholesome "all American" girl. At least I hope not.

 

[CanadianGuy]

Except for that show has already taped it's fourth and final season which is in the can and ready to roll out starting in February...

And given that the current season ends with a cliffhanger episode, I suspect they'll go ahead airing the fourth season..



Knox

 

[RoyalCanadian]

I think the Family Channel has made the right decision. It is not their job to be the parents for the children watching.

If parents don't want their children to watch a show, then it is the responsibility of the parents to monitor what their children are watching.

 

[abirdd]

I too agree with Family's decision... aside from the fact they have money invested in the episodes they have purchased, in my opinion it all comes down to parents. I am particular about what my son sees on TV, and I expect many other parents share the sentiment.

Family is aware many parents monitor programming, and are ultimately responsible for making informed decisions about what kids do and do not watch.

 

[Jaymie]

I would have to agree with Family. It's ultimately the parents decision as to what their kids watch. My son isn't into Zoey 101, but I can say if I did have a kid that was into it, I might not want them watching either.

 

[calliemom]

I understand what most are saying as I can dictate what shows my 8 year old daughter watches, however keep in mind she is quite aware of Miss Spears present situation and Family advertises regularly for this show. My point is even though I can ultimately decide what my child watches, it is very difficult for me to "sensor" commercials advertising for an upcoming episode.
It's all about money... I get that, but being The Family Channel I think they have a responsibility to its young views to set examples and Miss Spears is certainly not someone our children should aspire to become.

 

[Tiger926]

I understand what most are saying as I can dictate what shows my 8 year old daughter watches, however keep in mind she is quite aware of Miss Spears present situation and Family advertises regularly for this show. My point is even though I can ultimately decide what my child watches, it is very difficult for me to "sensor" commercials advertising for an upcoming episode.
It's all about money... I get that, but being The Family Channel I think they have a responsibility to its young views to set examples and Miss Spears is certainly not someone our children should aspire to become.

I totally agree with Family and wonder how your daughter knows about Miss Spears' situation? Does she watch news, etc.? If so, then how is Family responsible for what information your daughter takes in - it is your job to monitor what she takes in.

In regards to your comment about children aspiring to TV stars, you are totally correct. As parents we need to teach our children that people on TV, movie stars, etc., are playing characters. Children shouldn't be looking up to them at all if they are taught that these are fictional characters and not real people. Miss Spears' is not Zoey and vice versa - she plays a character named Zoey for her job and who by her current predicament shows, she has nothing in common with.

Good luck with your daughter in regards to this situation, Tiger

 

[trivial]

I understand what most are saying as I can dictate what shows my 8 year old daughter watches, however keep in mind she is quite aware of Miss Spears present situation and Family advertises regularly for this show. My point is even though I can ultimately decide what my child watches, it is very difficult for me to "sensor" commercials advertising for an upcoming episode.

I'm not sure how it's a problem that she hears things or sees commercials. Your daughter can't be shielded from the news that travels in its various forms, but I don't see how it's harmful to her. She has no doubt been taught your values and beliefs, but she will inevitably be exposed to others', and that's not a bad thing.

Putting myself in your shoes for a moment, if I had an 8-year-old daughter, I'm not sure I would forbid her from watching the show... I just don't see any half-decent reason to do so. The situation could be a great opportunity for discussion, which I think could only benefit her.

 

[declansdad]

I'm not sure how it's a problem that she hears things or sees commercials. Your daughter can't be shielded from the news that travels in its various forms, but I don't see how it's harmful to her. She has no doubt been taught your values and beliefs, but she will inevitably be exposed to others', and that's not a bad thing.

Putting myself in your shoes for a moment, if I had an 8-year-old daughter, I'm not sure I would forbid her from watching the show... I just don't see any half-decent reason to do so. The situation could be a great opportunity for discussion, which I think could only benefit her.

I agree, my ds6 watches this show and I can't think of a reason to stop him. It's not like she is geting pregnant on the show and even if she was, you can always find a way to talk about it.

 

[ChisJo]

I agree, my ds6 watches this show and I can't think of a reason to stop him. It's not like she is geting pregnant on the show and even if she was, you can always find a way to talk about it.

I completely agree with this comment. Although I can understand a parents sentiment about their children not watching Zoey 101, pregnancy in teens happens, ALOT, and the unfortunate thing is that parents too often try to shield it away or not want to talk about it until it is too late. I agree that Miss Spears may not be the best role model, but the girl herself did say she was surprised by the news, and that she was going to take full responsibility for the out come of her mistake. To top it off, her boyfriend, who himself is also younger, has stepped up and is going to be there for her 100%. This is responsibility, and if anything, they should be applauded for taking that responsibility, and I too think if they had decided to make an episode about it on Zoey 101, maybe this could be a good lesson for the kids out there. Didn't anyone watch Degrassi Jr. High growing up??? Remember Spike? She may not have been a role model, but she did leave an impression about teen parenting.

 

[nokidz]

I agree with the Family Channel. It is up to parents to screen what their child watches on the TV, internet and life in general. No matter the age of the child/tween/teen, keeping honest, true, open communication alive is one of the most important thing you can do with your child. Everyone has questions and concerns about what they see and hear, who are your kids talking too?

 

[calliemom]

Thanks all for your input. There is a lot to learn on this board and I must keep an open mind as I certainly do not know everything there is to raising a daughter/child as I only have one. I think perhaps I try to shelter her a little too much and as mentioned by a lot of you, it is a great opportunity for open discussion on the subject. I just sometimes think that at 8 years old it might be a little too early for these types of discussions. I know its almost the year 2008 and things have certainly changed since even I was that age. I just want to keep her a child for as long as possible. It may seem crazy to some but to me childhood is the most cherished time in your life!

 

[ChisJo]

Thanks all for your input. There is a lot to learn on this board and I must keep an open mind as I certainly do not know everything there is to raising a daughter/child as I only have one. I think perhaps I try to shelter her a little too much and as mentioned by a lot of you, it is a great opportunity for open discussion on the subject. I just sometimes think that at 8 years old it might be a little too early for these types of discussions. I know its almost the year 2008 and things have certainly changed since even I was that age. I just want to keep her a child for as long as possible. It may seem crazy to some but to me childhood is the most cherished time in your life!

You would be surprised at how much your 8 yo knows about sex already. She may not get the fine details, but she understands more than you know. I cannot remember where I read this or the exact details, but a child sees approximately 10 sexual acts a week on tv (probably more considering sex is so much more open than it used to be). Talking about it and keeping that line of communication open is the best thing. If a child is shielded from it and isn't allowed to talk about it, they will explore it for themselves, and without that proper knowledge of how to protect themselves, they may have a surprise at 14 years old.

I work with kids and for a while, I used to volunteer at a school we have here in the city for pregnant and parenting teens. These kids came from ALL backgrounds - rich, poor, and middle class. There were also single teen dads there - it wasn't just moms. The number one thing that they said could have prevented their pregnancies was knowledge - the single most important phrase you could teach a child is "knowledge is power". One of the girls that I worked with was only 12 when she got pregnant. She said she didn't really understand what sex was, but kept hearing about it, so she thought she'd try it. She got pregnant and is now a mom. All too often I heard the same thing, but truly it comes down to the responsibility of two people: the parent(s), and the child. If they aren't given the chance to show responsibility, they won't prove to you that they are responsibile. I guess that I have a pretty different view because of the experience that I have in the field. I would rather they keep the Zoey 101 show and portray the pregnancy as a lesson to girls, but I know that would never happen.