Fall T.V. Review of CBS's Kid Nation

As the Fall line up nears there is a lot of chatter about CBS's "Kid Nation" among TV critics and child rights advocates. The show advertises itself as 40 children being left to their own devices on a private ranch set up as a ghost town. No parents, no teachers, no electricity, and no indoor plumbing. The kids are expected to maintain their lifestyle by cooking, cleaning, and establishing rules for all to live by, but after production wrapped up questions were asked. Were the children exploited, even to the point of violating child labor laws? Were the parents negligent for letting their kids participate? How will this effect their schooling? Were there safe conditions?

During filming questions began to arise as to what was going on at the ranch. A tip off sent local police and labor investigators to the site, but by the time any real action was going to be taken filming had been completed and everyone was already gone. It has been discovered that the show did not violate child labor laws in the state of New Mexico, where it was filmed, but CBS admits that the state was chosen for its relaxed laws and it would not have been legal in many other states. Since that time New Mexico has strengthened their laws and filming wont be possible at that location anymore. After this season critics joke that sequels would have to be filmed in Cambodia.

At this point the casual television viewer doesn't really know what went on during filming. Reports state that the children worked from sun up to sunset to get everything done. Commercials show the kids arguing over killing their chickens and one child's voice is dubbed over offering their knowledge on how to kill and prepare it. Complaints also state that four children accidentally drank bleach and one girl had an accident that resulted in having hot grease splashed on her face. These incidents were treated promptly by professional physicians. The most alarming accusation to date is one that states CBS at some point breached its contract with the parents,but nobody is saying how.

As this show is attacked from all sides with people rallying to have the whole season shelved I have to stop and ask America for a reality check. Were they exploited? No, despite what advocates will say. These kids just sustained themselves, maybe grew up a little. Most parents make their kids do chores or at least wish they did. That is not exploitation. This is just a step up from household chores, a step up which can teach them time and resource management and team work.

Was it safe? Yes, as safe as living in general. Anything truly worth doing involves some kind of risk, and to be honest if a kid wants to find trouble they will find it in their own home. I'm sure that CBS monitored those children's safety closely to prevent any lawsuits from springing up. The accidents involving drinking bleach and being splashed with grease, while regrettable, could have happened in anyone's home.

So what about the kid's school work? Shooting began in April while most children are wrapping up the school year. Although I don't know what those parents did I know there are a lot of options for the children to maintain their education. In that situation I would recommend checking your state laws and notify your school early of your intentions. Parents and teachers could have prepared the children by increasing the work load leading up to shooting, or utilizing summer school, tutoring, and homeschooling to catch the children up before the next school year. Some of the children were actually recruited for their giftedness and I would bet that they are used to being responsible for their education.

The last question is what kind of parent would send let their kid participate? I would because we live in a society that is rewarding victim hood through litigation. Because of this children are getting the message that they shouldn't have any hardship in life and if they do they can lawyer up and make money for it. These children weren't victimized or exploited. They have money in the bank for their hard work, creativity, and for doing something not everyone would. They were rewarded for action and I would gladly let my son participate in a unique opportunity that could teach my son responsibility and save money for college. What grounds would I set for my son if he was on "Kid Nation". One, every penny is saved for adulthood. Two, schoolwork completed above and beyond the school's expectations. Three, CBS would have to provide counseling services to the children after shooting just in case they found a need to talk about what happened.

The last requirement for my child is that he would have to show me first that he understands that he may have fun or they may hate it. Apparently some of the kid's parents never thought that they might not like it out there. At least one child has come forward saying he didn't have fun. But, the bottom line is there are no guarantees in life and sometimes you do things you don't like. So critics back off, it's not always fun listening to you!

All arguments aside, will I watch " Kid Nation"? Maybe, the first few episodes will make up my mind for me. I don't know if it will be any good or what will happen. Maybe all the nay sayers will luck out. If the show sucks CBS may pull it mid season and throw some reruns or a miniseries in its place. My guess is the show will at least pull in initial ratings since all of the debate surrounding it will have people curious. So good luck kids and move on to the next subject critics!