Should Reality TV Shows Be Banned? A Mother’s Perspective

Reality TV shows are popular, they range from talent competitions and cooking shows to fashion, dating, and lifestyle programs and the idea behind them is simple: Show real human behavior, real emotions, and real choices, and let viewers connect with them. At least, that was the original idea as the name says but not anymore.

As a married woman and a mother, I can say I have watched a few reality TV shows over the years. Not excessively, but enough to understand why they attract attention and why they also raise concern especially with the fact that I’m raising children in a world where these shows are everywhere. Reality TV today is very different from what it used to be.

Some of the most popular reality shows across the world, including here in Nigeria, include the Big Brother Naija, and talent shows like The Voice and Americans Got Talent. These shows dominate conversations, social media, and even family discussions. Of course, children and teenagers are exposed to them too.

One realistic problem these shows have caused is the way they shape perception (how people think about a situation). Many reality shows focused on lifestyles that are far from the average person’s reality. Luxury is normalized, conflict is exaggerated, and relationships are often treated lightly. For young people who are still forming their values, this can lead to unhealthy comparisons, low self-esteem, and unrealistic expectations about life and success.

Another issue is behavior: Some reality shows reward disrespect, aggression, or controversy with fame and money. When children see this, it sends the wrong message that bad behavior is acceptable as long as it brings attention. As a parent, this is worrying because it makes guidance at home more challenging.

Well, it would be unfair to say reality TV has done only harm. These shows have also solved real problems in some ways. Talent-based reality shows like The Voice have helped people discover their abilities and build careers they might never have had access to otherwise. Cooking shows, fashion competitions, and music shows have inspired creativity, confidence, and hard work. I've seen people gain confidence, learn skills, and feel heard through these shows. That impact is real and should not be ignored.

So, should reality TV shows be banned completely? Personally, I don’t think so. A total ban would ignore the positive influence these shows can have when done responsibly. But I do believe strongly that reality TV needs to be given a rethink. Those behind the success of reality shows need to consider the coming generation.

These shows should be more realistic, more responsible, and more honest about what they represent. Not everything needs to be dramatic, luxurious, or extreme to be entertaining. We should tell ourselves the truth by being real with what we do especially in the eyes of the public.

As a mother raising children in this era, I believe reality TV should reflect real values, real effort, and real consequences. If these shows are going to continue shaping minds, especially young ones, then they should do so with care. Reality TV doesn’t need to disappear, it needs to grow up, because the audience watching it are growing too. This is my honest thought, let's know yours.

This post is in response to the #Hive Learners community prompt on the topic titled Reality TV.

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