Content exposes viewers to stories that contain police brutality, gun violence, sexual and domestic violence, and genocide. For example, the story of Megan Thee Stallion being a victim of aggravated assault with a gun was reported. Images and videos that accompany these specific stories are not graphic.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.
There is some profanity used on MTV Impact's show, Decoded. The episode "How To Stop Victim Blaming" uses the word "bitch", but words like this aren't used in the hosts' everyday language, but instead is used to quote another person or in context of the story being told. This type of language is very rare in these videos.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.
YouTube is an ad-driven platform, ad pop-ups are common and may or may not be age appropriate.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Hosts and commentators demonstrate a high level of intelligence, sound judgment, sensitivity, allyship, cultural awareness, confidence, and effective communication. The Where Are They Now playlist shares cast updates from the MTV docuseries 16 & Recovering, spotlighting triumphant teen stories about their resilience and perseverance to overcome challenges involving truancy, mental and emotional challenges, and substance abuse.
Diverse Representations
a lot
The channel features a variety of Black, Indigenous, and people of color as hosts, commentators, and cast members. There's a diverse range of topics and subjects represented in each story covered, from women's sports and election coverage to personal stories about identity and resilience. The various representations include but are not limited to different ethnic and racial groups, abilities, sexual orientations, ages, nationalities, socioeconomic classes, political parties, and gender. Videos cover topics like color-blind casting in Hollywood, colorism, and the importance of pronouncing names correctly.
This channel spreads awareness, promotes critical thinking, elevates marginalized voices, and drives courageous conversations that help viewers think about their role in creating a more just and empathetic world.
Educational Value
some
Content revolves around the impact of current and historical issues involving social justice, activism, identity, and culture. Historically accurate and fact-checked information. Viewers are informed on both global and national news with various world views.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that MTV Impact is a YouTube channel that shares news, stories and current events that focus on activism, social justice and culture both nationally and globally. Videos on this channel spread awareness, promote critical thinking, elevate marginalized voices, and drive courageous conversations that help viewers think about their role in creating a more just and empathetic world. As and offshoot of MTV, this channel will likely appeal to tweens, teens and young adults. With different categorized series, there's something for everyone on this channel. From a series that focuses on mental health and understanding feelings, to one that tackles difficult topics like cultural appropriation, privilege, and colorism, this entire channel offers content that sparks important discussion. This makes it great for adults and their older kids or teens to watch together or to use as a discussion starter in classrooms. Some sensitive topics are covered in certain videos and series, like recovering from substance abuse and police brutality, but no graphic images are shown and video titles and descriptions allow viewers to make informed decisions on what they want to watch.
MTV IMPACT reports national and global stories involving sociopolitical and sociocultural issues affecting youth and adults. This channel leverages headlines in entertainment, culture, sports, and politics to gain viewers' interest. There are several different series within the channel, giving viewers multiple options for content and various age-appropriate levels of viewing. The Feel Better series touches on mental health and has open and honest discussions about feelings. Need to Know covers current events in pop culture and news. And 16 & Recovering spotlights triumphant teen stories about their resilience and perseverance to overcome challenges involving truancy, mental and emotional challenges, and substance abuse. MTV Impact was previously known as MTV Decoded, where videos focused on issues like colorism, homophobia, stereotypes and more. All episodes of MTV Decoded are still featured on the channel now.
Critically insightful content. In a modern society full of social commentary that focuses solely on celebrity and influencer culture, MTV Impact sets itself apart by making space for meaningful dialogues around important and universal issues and topics impacting a diverse range of communities. This channel integrates pop culture, hot topics and social justice issues that are grounded in facts and journalistic integrity. The stories prompt important conversations that expand worldviews and promote empathy and accountability.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how MTV Impact creates a platform for pop culture, current events, and social justice and activism issues all in one. Are these topics actually separate? Is there a benefit to having all these discussion in one space?
How can you challenge systems that perpetuate negative ideas and actions (White supremacy, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, etc.)?
What challenges have you experienced in your peer relationships? What trusting adult relationships can you rely on to support you in challenging times?
What is your perception of your own capabilities? How do you practice self-acceptance?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Ashley Payton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
