The Straits Times
Republished with Permission
28 October 2025

And it’s not just what they choose to listen to. Our young are exposed to music everywhere – from friends’ playlists, TikTok dance trends, even songs playing on the radio during car rides.

As parents, we hear these lyrics – or our children may ask us innocently what they mean. It can be discomfiting.

This stems from a deeper concern that our children might internalise the values behind the music – and that it could eventually shape their behaviour.

This often leads to knee-jerk reactions, like banning certain artistes or switching radio stations the moment we catch wind of suggestive lyrics. I’ve done it myself – but found it doesn’t get me very far.

For the original article, please visit Taylor Swift’s getting explicit. Parents, don’t tune out.