‘Breaking Bad’ Inspired Toys: How Media Influence Leads to Youth Drug Use
Active viewers would agree that
‘Breaking Bad’ is a wildly entertaining show. Bryan Cranston plays
Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with inoperable Lung Cancer.
White is diagnosed with terminal Cancer at the beginning of the series. In an
effort to create financial security for his family, White begins producing and
selling Methamphetamine. For adults
who are able to separate fantasy from reality, the show provides entertainment
and even highlights some of the dangers associated with the development of an
illegal substance like Meth.
However, regarding the dangers of Methamphetamine
and youth’s susceptibility to negative media
influence; most parents would agree that this program should have no place on a
child or young adult’s “watch list”.
Negative media influence is no
new problem. In fact, the media has
been a detrimental influence on young people since ‘media’ came into existence in the first place. However, what
happens when drug paraphernalia
products are developed exclusively for children? How would you feel if your
child or a child whom you care about was playing with a Lego inspired toy Methamphetamine lab?
According to the Daily Mail, the Independent US company Citizen Brick has
developed a 500-part toy set to include all of the drug paraphernalia used in the American television show ‘Breaking Bad’. Children can now mimic
Walter White’s actions in the show at home and practice the steps to the
development of Methamphetamine from
the privacy of their own play-room. Many parents and other adults from The
United States are understandably concerned about the influence a toy like this
could have on youth. Citizen Brick “prided themselves” in the realistic details
of the Methamphetamine toy lab, and
disturbingly, the toy sold out soon after being put on store shelves.
Methamphetamine is a large
problem within The United States, to include the state of New Hampshire. A
dangerous mixture of potentially fatal poisons, Methamphetamine is largely
addictive and severely detrimental to an individual’s health and well-being.
The chemicals used in Meth are so
powerful and harmful that “meth labs”, (places used to cook Methamphetamine like the Citizen Brick’s
Lego inspired set seeks to mimick) often must be destroyed and are deemed
unlivable.
So how can parents fight back to media
and protect their children from negative influence, (besides not purchasing ‘Breaking Bad’ inspired toys? The media’s influence is incredibly strong
and incredibly difficult to shield youth from. As a parent, the best thing to
do is maintain honesty and an open line of communication. Talk to your children
about the dangers of drugs, including Methamphetamine.
Explain that it is not always good to aspire after what is seen on television,
movies, magazines, (and even toys) and go as far as to give examples of why. As
a parent, you are a strong influence in your child’s life. Serve as a positive
role model yourself and abstain from drug use and excessive alcohol
consumption, (especially around your child).
Methamphetamine (Meth)
related issues are not diminishing, nor are negative influences within the media.
Self-Empowerment NH, LLC, located in Concord,
New Hampshire, has a background in supporting individuals suffering from the
toughest of addictions, including addictions to Methamphetamine. If you or someone you know is struggling with a Meth addiction, or any other addiction,
Selfempnh can help; as we are here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and
non-judgmental support system. We offer a variety of different services, some
of which include; individual and group counseling, support groups, evaluations
and presentations for parents, educators and workplaces regarding signs and
symptoms of substance abuse. For more information, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.
