Do you let your kids watch pro wrestling?
By Steve Helmer
@srhelmer (7029)
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
December 19, 2006 10:20am CST
I pose this question because last night I actually watched the closing minutes of Monday Night Raw.
To describe, two wrestlers were viciously attacking two other wrestlers after a match with steel chairs, bashing their heads with them. The two that were taking a beating were bleeding badly and were twitching, as though they were near death.
Now, I know it was all an act. But, they panned the audience and all I saw were young children watching and looking as though they were scared to death.
I personally don't think pro wrestling is kid friendly any more and I couldn't believe people would even bring their kids to an event knowing this.
I know my daughter won't be allowed to watch.
11 people like this
110 responses
@srhelmer (7029)
• Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
19 Dec 06
And that's really the point I'm trying to make. The kids they showed on TV were probably 8 or 9 and looked like they were going to start crying. That's hardly knowing the difference between what's acting and what's real.
@Ravenladyj (22902)
• United States
19 Dec 06
I dunno...my daughter is 11 1/2 and if I were to take her to live wrestling (which I almost did as an Xmas gift for them) she'd start crying within minutes but NOT because of the wrestling but because of the noise! its really loud and she cant handle it...So a crying kid in the audience could very well be crying for a couple of reasons that arent even wrestling related ya know....its very high energy to be at an event like that and some kids may not be able to handle that energy, or lik with my daughter, all the noise and commotion...
@sundeepm474 (888)
• India
19 Dec 06
I dont let my children to watch all those rubbish.........
1 person likes this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
19 Dec 06
My husband is a wrestling fanatic and I also ocassionally watch it they had a three hour special on last night but we didn't stay up to watch it to the end. We do not have any children but we babysit quite often and have children spend the night. No we do not let them watch it because the one time I let my little 5 year old sister watch it she thought she could do what they do. I also think that before a person does let their children watch it they should explain it to them that they are not to do or try the stuff they see on there because it is dangerous. Wrestlers are professionals and they still get hurt bad ocassionally if a move goes bad I know it's not all real but stuff happens. If kids tried that stuff they could break things or even their necks. So I am thankful that it is on later when most young kids should be in bed.
1 person likes this
@viorelsnake (99)
• Romania
19 Dec 06
I have two sons who are 19 years apart. My oldest is soon to be 23 years old and my youngest turned 3 back in May. I had no problem with my oldest watching wrestling when he was younger and as he continued to grow. On the same hand, On Monday night and Thursday night my husband, 3-year-old son and I sit down and watch wrestling without question. We also do not miss a PPV. Half the time my youngest son falls asleep. Am I worried that watching wrestling is going to effect his behavior? No! Because I am there watching it with him. The same as I did with his older brother. Watching pro wrestling did not affect him at all, except at one time when he was in his teens he started working out and watching what he ate because he wanted to become a pro wrestler. I'd say that's a positive thing.
There is much more violence on the news, in cartoons which are suppose to be approved for children, and in other places that, if one would look, they would see all forms of violence.
Personally, I like the "Live and Let Live" motto. I don't tell you or 'Chris' what to do or how to raise your children and I'd appreciate it if 'Chris' and others like Chris would do the same thing.
1 person likes this
@srhelmer (7029)
• Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
19 Dec 06
You're right, it's up to each parent to make that choice for their child.
But, at the same time, you should look up just how many people have sought damages against the WWE because their kids got hurt imitating a stunt they saw.
It works both ways, if you let your kids watch, you shouldn't be allowed to complain later.
1 person likes this
@ajithlal (14716)
• India
19 Dec 06
The problem the children watch TV channels and acts is they copy it to their life. I am seeing most children acting and doing wrestling among themself. Most of them are using pillows for fighting and doing wrestling. Watching wrestling increase the tendency of violence in children increase. I always think children should not see violent movies with violent fightings and murdering and wrestling.
@acosjo (1903)
• Canada
19 Dec 06
You really need to make sure your child know it is an act, and ultimately if you don't want your child to watch, don't let them watch.
Wrestling has changed in some ways and I don't like there is so much "sexy-ness" involved. Personally I don't mind but you have to think about the kids.
I watched wrestling a lot when I was a kid and was really into it. I still keep up a little (because my dad watches) but that's it.
1 person likes this
@selva_only4u (116)
• India
19 Dec 06
yes even i think the same way...its shown in a very violent manner and that may lead to our sons or daughters go in the wrong way because of the thrill.... its highly risky if hte kid tries the same wrestling with other child
@alitheheroic (287)
• Canada
19 Dec 06
I will never let my child to watch those vulgar female wrestlers Strip!!! Man they need some clothes! I wonder they come to the ring to fight or show off themselves…
1 person likes this
@wavelander (1526)
• Portugal
19 Dec 06
I can't stand wrestling! my 9 year old students are always fighting against each other saying they are wrestlers! Sometimes i loose my temper when that happens during a class!
@srhelmer (7029)
• Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
19 Dec 06
It's a perfect example of how parents, even though they say they do, don't do a good enough job teaching their kids not to imitate what they see.
@venombarca (34)
• India
20 Dec 06
these types of sports must be eradicated from the society. sports develop positive
attitude and make individuals fully fit for the society need. But these types of sports
just develop negative results. must be stopped
@srhelmer (7029)
• Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
20 Dec 06
Actually, I have no problem with wrestling itself. Like I said, I was a fan of it until recently.
But, I do think people need to realize it's no longer family-oriented.
@srhelmer (7029)
• Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
19 Dec 06
Good for you. You're setting a good example for your kids by not watching the very same program you've told them they can't watch.
@snakeyes (569)
• India
20 Dec 06
I think you are absolutely right,the kids should not be allowed to watch the pro-wrestling events because their is a lot of bloody actions taking place,i also personally feel that their should be some viewer discretion also placed by the TV channels.
@iloveit (316)
• Canada
20 Dec 06
agreed. These and similar other programs like violent movies, thriller or horror programs are not intended for children anyway. I have seen some wrestling episodes (although it could be all prestaged) to be quite disturbing at times. Children should be kept away from it as this can have bad influence on them.
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@itsjustmeb (1212)
• Canada
19 Dec 06
If you sit down with your children and explain to them that what the men on TV are doing is fake, and only for TV , then yes go ahead and watch it with them.
If you don't have the time to sit down and explain what is happening, is not real then do not let them watch it. Do not let anyone else in your household watch it either for that matter.
@Ravenladyj (22902)
• United States
19 Dec 06
thats exactly right...I've always been that way with my kids which is why I have allowed them to watch shows and movies above their age level...they grasp it all ya know..they know the difference between real and hollywood etc
@indy181 (10)
• United States
20 Dec 06
Hundreds of studies of the effects of TV violence on children and teenagers have found that children may:
become "immune" or numb to the horror of violence
gradually accept violence as a way to solve problems
imitate the violence they observe on television; and
identify with certain characters, victims and/or victimizers
While TV violence is not the only cause of aggressive or violent behavior, it is clearly a significant factor
@srhelmer (7029)
• Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
20 Dec 06
Some of those studies also indicate teenaged males who watch wrestling are more likely to rape their dates or beat them.