Has anyone watched this show? I am watching the first and second episode now with my kids. I am surprised with their thoughts on the show. DS (8 years old) wants to get on the show and DD (10 years old) wants to be on the town council.

What are your thoughts on the show?

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Two of my boys want to be on the show as well. They are 9 and 11. They love the show and talk about how they would run the town. It is kind of interesting how they view the show. I guess it's the kid's point of view.

sandy

I watched it once for only a few minutes. I found it to be terribly disturbing. Maybe I didn't watch it long enough, but I just couldn't stomach the concept of the show.

I've been watching it and discussing it with my 7th grade students. I honestly don't know what the problem is, and why so many people are all up in arms. I find it amazing the way some of the kids think and communicate.

My 12 year old nephew has actually interviewed for Kid Nation 2, and is down to the 1000 cut. From there, they cut to 100, then 40. From what I hear (and I'm certainly no authority here), but the cuts are on hold right now. I'm assuming they are waiting for results to come in, so they can determine if there's going to be a another season.

Hubby and I have been watching this. We both like it. My 13 year old doesn't even seem interested in watching it, though.

The one girl on the student counsel really gets on my nerves, though. And last night......the potty mouth kid.

The kids are probably running the town better than some adults would in the same situation. I think they're doing pretty good.

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Amy
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I have never heard of it. When is it on? What network?

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CBS Wednesdays at 8

Kid Nation on CBS

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I have not watched the show nor do I intend to.

There is alot of news articles about the tv program concerning whether it violated child safety and labor laws.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/23/ar...on/23kids.html
"Children who participated in “Kid Nation,” a CBS reality show that has come under fire over questions of whether it violated child safety and labor laws, were required to do whatever they were told by the show’s producers, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or risk expulsion from the show, according to a copy of the contract signed by the children and their parents."

The Founding of 'Kid Nation' - TVWeek - News


Kid Nation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Kid Nation production took place before New Mexico tightened its regulations governing the number and span of hours a child actor can work. The producers had declared the set a summer camp rather than a place of employment, but that loophole has since been closed.[1] State officials and the producers have since openly disagreed as to whether New Mexico's labor laws were followed, and whether inspectors were given proper access to the set.["

That's a shame...

I like it. I don't see the kids doing any more work than my kids did with daily chores. (Except haul water) When I was in Girl Scout Camp, 35 years ago, we did everything these kids are doing including hauling water. The difference is, we had to dig our latrine, at least they have outhouses.

The children have the option to leave when they want. You know there is Medical Staff there if they need it. And regardless of what they say, there are adults close-by (maybe not in the camp) for emergencies.

Yes, they cry because they are homesick - do you know of any child that went to camp that did not have periods of homesickness? But you know what, they're sticking it out. (well, all but that one 8 yr old)

What a character builder this is for these kids. Can you imagine the confidence and self-worth they will take away with them when it's over? Not to mention the obvious people skills.

So what's the problem?

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Mary

The problem is child labor laws that are in place to protect the children MIGHT have been broken.
Did you read the links I provided?
I certainly have no problem with children learning how to do some things. Laws are in place to protect them also.
Something just does not sound right ....when the producer of the show is now saying he will probably take the show outside of the USA for filming because of our child labor laws. At this time he can not find another state with the lack laws that New Mexico had at the time of the first filming (which they now have fixed the loop-hole in the law).
James Hibberd - ‘Nation’ Panel II: You Don’t Need a Bike to Backpedal - TVWeek - Blogs

Well anyway..I just thought people should be aware of both sides of the story.

I really did read your links. Except wikipedia because anyone can post something there and it could take weeks for a correction to be made if there was an error.

I'm sure there are things that are going on that are not shown, and if there is a labor law violation then, of course, the officials need to intervene. But a lot of it is how it is interpreted in the law. (I'm no lawyer)

Are these kids getting paid to be on the show, are they receiving a stipend? I don't know.

If they are not being paid - then how does the labor law fit in?

I just meant I wish you would watch it and then tell us what you think.

If you had watched the show last night, the kids had a party where it clearly stated they were up till way past midnight. Was that a production thing, or were the kids just having a good time and didn't want to go to bed? From hearing the kids talk, it sounded like it was their choice.

The next day a curfew was established, much to the dismay of most of the kids.

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Mary

I've watched the show with my 2 ds'(12 & 15). I like the show. My 2 ds will not admit it, but like it also. When I tell them it's on they both watch it with me. They are impressed with the kids and their abilities, but don't want me to get anymore ideas for them (LOL). I don't don't know about labor laws, but I think this show is good for people to watch. It shows that not all kids are bad or lazy. It shows how capable kids really are and what they can do when needed. Maybe we (as parents) need to take a lesson and give our kids more responsibility.
Judy

Here is some answers to you questions..answers from this link
The Watcher - All TV, all the time | Chicago Tribune | Blog

a $5,000 "stipend," which is what most kids got for participating in the show. (Some kids got an additional $20,000 if they won competitions within the show.)

According to the document posted on TheSmokingGun.com, the parents were told, via the contract they signed, that the show was "inherently dangerous" and could expose their children to "uncontrolled hazards and conditions that may cause serious bodily injury, illness or death." The parents had to relinquish all legal claims on CBS if anything did happen to their children. Oh, and unless the families stick to the terms of a confidentiality agreement that the network is still enforcing, they could be liable for a $5 million penalty.
the kids on the show should have been covered by entertainment-union contracts that would have protected their interests, limited the hours they could work and guaranteed appropriate on-set medical care and supervision.

No, I have no interest in this type of show.
I am not telling others to not watch it ..just pointing out why some people are "up on arms about it" Always two-sides to a story.

Well then, there you have it.

One more thought before I bow out - After watching the show...in my opinion, except for the kids who's turn it is to do the cooking, it LOOKS like there are only a few hours (less than 3-4, probably a lot less than that) that the kids are actually working. And some of the kids do little or no work. (based on their hierarchy assignment)

Here is my question, does just being on camera constitute work, even if they're playing and chasing cows, etc - Is it work when they have their Town Hall meetings - Is it work when they go to the General Store to buy candy and what-not - Is it work when they have their challenges to change jobs and win prizes - is it work when they're having a party.

Or is it work when they are cleaning, cooking or hauling water?

I guess that's what the lawyer's are figuring out now.

There absolutely are 2 sided to the story.

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Mary

Yes, at different ages children can only be camera for so many hours. There are laws protecting child actors and their wages, work conditions, school hours, etc. Same as there are laws in place about types of jobs kids can hold at certain ages. And their hours are limited. As a way of getting around this the producer is claiming this was like a "summer camp" but it was during weeks on school.

I guess the lawyers will make more money on this than the kids that are in the show.
Someone (CBS) is making money off these children without paying them real wages.
My problem isn't the work the kids do..but the fact that someone is using tham as cheap labor.

Here is my thought on the smoking gun report - (yea, I know I said I would bow-out, but I'm just too opinionated to let it go I guess)

If everything is so hush-hush, and people are threatened with lawsuits for revealing information, how is it that the smoking gun has this information?

I just don't take much stalk in that story. The other links forrest pointed out were more reputable.

None of us mom's would put our kids in that kind of jeopardy, and I don't think the Kid Nation mom's did either.

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Mary

The contact is now public information because the New Mexico authorities are looking into the matter..so it was released because of the free information act.

I would not sign a contract like that. People sign alot of things that do not fully understand everyday.

aaaahhhh ok

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Mary

I like the show but I think it is misleading. The show was actually filmed at Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch. http://www.bonanzacreekranch.com/ So far the only thing I really didn't care for was them allowing younger children to watch them kill chickens.. I really feel sorry for the little girl who ran off

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Well I just watched an episode Kid Nation on CBS

I find the show pathetic, disgusting, stupid, and on the verge of child abuse. I do not know how parents would but their children thur all of that. Yes, kids should learn how to do things like cleaning, cooking but in a setting like that is uncalled for.

I havent' watched it but don't see the problem. God forbid kids learn how to do things for themselves.. I'm sure back in the day kids were doing these things. I think were just so used to this spoiled society that we live in that we've become to sensitive to our babies having to do things like behead a chicken.. My grandparents owned a farm and my dad beheaded chickens and plucked them and washed them, why is it too good for your kids? and why are you disqusted by it? you eat chicken don't you? I love the barbie world mentality we have !

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I think some of this conversation is funny. I wouldn't think it was child abuse being on the shows, unless you think everyone raised in the olden days was abused, little kids had to go milk cows, kill chickens and all of that stuff to help feed the family. I think its a great learning experience for this kids, think about it, most kids these days are so spoiled that they don't move away from TV's, its good to get them out and learning--it teaches them responsibility, which alot of parents neglect to do.

And honestly, there are probably 50 adults on that set, just like a normal reality show, those kids have adults there, they are not technically alone. It's like a summer camp, but they are running everything.

I like the fact that if the kids want to go home, they let them, no pressure, ya know. The children are our future, i think this will be a good test to prove that. They will run it better than most adults.

But this show will definately prove how parents are raising the kids, on the first episode they had the option to have more outhouses or a tv and a ton of those kids wanted the TV--priorities, lol.

I did not watch the epidose with the killing of the chicken. I was talking about being disgusted in other ways..such as their "parties", cursing out other children, etc.
My children certainly do not live in a "barbie world". My kids and DH hunt, fish, and garden for our food.
The kids also help cut down trees and work a sawmill. We are building "wings" (additions) onto our house with the boards from our own sawmill. We make our own wooden siding and paneling, hardwoord floors. The kids also do the electicity and plumbing work. All the kids have been taught how to fix car engines and also proper maintance such as rotaring tires, oil changes. They all do cooking, cleaning, laundry, mow grass, weedeat, etc.
The difference is my children have been taught these and lots of other things with love and the understanding of way we do things a certain way.

I think the show is great. Children need to learn how to be more independent and respectful of others. I think they will learn a lot from their experiences on the show . . . I do not think that it violates any child labor laws OR that CBS is taking advantage of these children. If the children are unhappy, hungry, or anything they can leave at any time . . .

I don't think I would have let my children participate, and I think they would have no problem finding 40 sets of irresponsible parents to allow their children to do this. I am NOT saying the parents were irresponsible to make the decision to allow their kids on the show, I'm just saying that you could easily find 40 sets of irresponsible parents.

I just think many of the children are far too young, and even the older ones concern me. I know there are adults there, but do they have my childs best interest at heart the way I would? Probably not. Kids have parents for a reason. It's just too long of a time to not be under my authority for the age of the kids. Children are so impressionable and I think it's important to make sure that they are recieving the values that we thought were important to instill. I just wouldn't care to take the risk with the life that God gave me to care for. Not worth it.

My kids would have probably done great, but it's my job to protect them until they are of age...these kids aren't.

Wow, I had no idea that by starting this thread, I would be getting so many opinions of other's parenting style.

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I wonder about how these kids are bathing, brushing their teeth, cooking and cleaning correctly so that they don't spread germs and eat undercooked food. Cleaning the outhouses could really spread problems.
There is an older girl or boy with open sores on their mouth. Do they have the things (like medicines) that they really need? Also, it seems much colder there than I would have thought it to be.

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Donna

[quote=Addison;2886824]Just wondering what parties you are talking about? I have watched the show and haven't seen any parties.

The kids had "parties" at the town saloon, where they could buy root beer. It was in the last week eipodse that I watched from Kid Nation on CBS
Just the way the party is handled I think sends the wrong message to kids. Kids need to understand that they can have fun without "acting" like that. The kids I am around do not act like this..straggering around, "acting " to what appears to be a drunk.
Yes, it did show how hard it was to get up after "partying" but I think kids will still get the wrong message.
What is so sad is to realize that most kids minic what they see and hear ..what they are exposed to in their life. Are their parents having parties, drinking, cursing.
No, I am not a religious nut ...I am religious but do not attend church anymore.

I wondered about the kids undercooking food at first too. I would think though, that they would have to have someone around watching them cook to make sure that wasn't a problem.
Reality shows usually aren't what they seem.