The Hottest Tween Role Models Right Now

Kids are very impressionable, especially that "tween" age so who they idolize should be a positive role model. No one knows this better than Dan Schneider, the creator of many positive "tween" shows on Nickelodeon. His many credits include Keenan and Kel, Drake and Josh, Zoey 101, All That, The Amanda Show and his most recent hit, iCarly.

Many adults may know Schneider from his acting days as Dennis on the popular sitcom, Head of the Class, as well as movies such as Making the Grade and Better Off Dead. He started writing for Nickelodeon in the early 90's and has had movies and television shows on Nickelodeon ever since. "My first show was All That, a sketch comedy show much like Saturday Night Live," Schneider said. All That helped to launch the careers of tween role models Amanda Bynes as well as Keenan Thompson, who is now on Saturday Night Live.

Drake Bell and Josh Peck, stars of the incredibly popular Nick show, Drake and Josh, have become positive role models for more than just the tween age range. "Drake and Josh appeals to the broadest age range. I hear that a lot of parents enjoy the show just as much as the kids do," Schneider said. "Drake and Josh could have easily been played on prime time television." Its popularity is apparent with children ages two up to adults. Jerry Trainor plays crazy Steve on Drake and Josh as well as Spencer on iCarly and kids and adults both just adore this guy. His funny antics make even the most serious person bust a gut with laughter.

iCarly is Schneider's newest Nick hit, his sixth show for the network. Miranda Cosgove, who plays the lead character, Carly is also known by the Nickelodeon fans as Megan on Drake and Josh. She has a huge following of tween kids that just adore her. With phrases like "BRB" (be right back) and "Chillax", Schneider has given kids some new terminology to play around with. The newest generation to the internet is even learning a little about the web from the show. Miranda Cosgrove has quickly become a positive role model for every child that watches her shows. Even parents love her, and the show. Kids can relate to her and her friends on the show. Parents feel that she represents a wonderful role model for the delicate tween age group. iCarly is insanely popular and it is only in its first season. "The network ordered 13 episodes originally but then increased it 20 and now again to 40. This is the biggest order I have gotten," Schneider explains. Its popularity is growing every day.

Schneider explains how the concept for the show came about, "I stay in tune with technology. I have always been into computers. I would use the web as a reference tool and started seeing so many kids using You Tube." He explains further, "Any kid can put a video online so why wouldn't a kid want to make their own internet show?" There are dozens or more videos on You Tube right now that are similar to iCarly. The idea behind the show is obviously a hit. iCarly gives kids the idea to get involved in technology and the computer. Technology has quickly become the wave of the future and isn't going anywhere. Any kid can go onto sites like YouTube and post a video.

The website iCarly.com is just as popular as the show is. With 17 million video streams in the month of November alone, everyone is convinced that the show is a hit. "The television industry is very scared of the web so I included them both. On TV, you are served entertainment and on the web, you make your own entertainment," Schneider said. iCarly is basically two shows rolled into one and the kids are just eating it up. The web site, as well as the show is all about what Schneider calls, kids winning. That concept is something that Nickelodeon and Schneider thrives on, and it works.

Schneider said, "I hear from parents a lot that they watch the shows, like Drake and Josh and iCarly with their kids. I like the idea of providing family entertainment." A parent getting involved is the key when dealing with children and knowing and liking your child's idol is a great place to get conversations started. Families enjoy Schneider's shows and can discuss the storylines or lessons that are provided by the show.

Sometimes, a positive role model for kids may do something that isn't so positive. An example of this would be the recent announcement from Jamie Lynn Spears that she is pregnant at 16 years old. She is the star of one of Schneider's popular Nick shows, Zoey 101. Her announcement may have sent mixed messages to the tween girls that idolize her. This type of thing can provide a great opportunity for parents to address more serious issues with their children. After all, these role models are only human and shouldn't be expected to be perfect, which is another great lesson for children. Parents must stay involved in what their children do, wear, and watch on TV. Spears' pregnancy will not disrupt future episodes of Zoey 101 which is one thing that many are concerned about. The show wrapped up production of their fourth and final season this past August.

Schneider is in the process of his seventh show for the network. Get ready for more positive role models and more family entertainment. With the following that Schneider has now, it is for sure going to be another hit. iCarly will be around for quite some time so let the entertainment begin.