Justin Bieber's bad behaviour could actually influence children for GOOD, claims new study which says celebrities' public demise works well to put teens off drugs and drink

  • Celebrities like Justin Bieber could have positive influence on teenagers
  • Researchers found most young people view star's lives as 'morality play'
  • They learn cautionary tales of greed and insincerity from 'bad' celebrities
  • Meanwhile, 'good' stars show how hard work, talent and modesty pay off
  • Study was carried out on 24 groups of British teenagers aged 14 to 18

By Sophie Jane Evans

Published: 03:58 EST, 18 May 2014 | Updated: 04:09 EST, 18 May 2014

They are widely condemned by parents for drinking, taking drugs and getting into trouble with the law.

But celebrities like Justin Bieber could actually have a positive influence on British teenagers' behaviour, according to a new study.

Researchers found that most young people view star's lives as a form of modern 'morality play' - filled with a cast of heroes and villains.

Influential: Celebrities like Justin Bieber could have a positive influence on teenagers' behaviour, says a study

Influential: Celebrities like Justin Bieber could have a positive influence on teenagers' behaviour, says a study

Researchers found that most young people view star's lives as a form of modern 'morality play' - filled with a cast of heroes and villains. Above, Emma Watson
Researchers found that most young people view star's lives as a form of modern 'morality play' - filled with a cast of heroes and villains. Above, Kim Kardashian

Heroes and villains: Researchers found that most young people view star's lives as a form of modern 'morality play' - filled with a cast of heroes, such as Emma Watson (left), and villains, like Kim Kardashian (right)

They learn lessons of greed, excess and insincerity from 'bad celebrities', whose public demise actually discourages them from bad behaviour and substances such as drink and drugs.

Meanwhile, they perceive 'good' stars as prime examples of how hard work, talent and modesty pay off. 

 

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The 18-month study was carried out on 24 groups of British children, aged 14 and 17, by experts at Manchester and Brunel universities, according to The Sunday Telegraph. 

It found that today's celebrities serve a vital 'social function' that was previously delivered by religious or mythical figures, such as Jesus Christ, Judas and Zeus.

Lesson: Teenagers learn lessons of greed, excess and insincerity from 'bad celebrities', whose public demise actually discourages them from bad behaviour. Above, Justin Bieber is pictured in a mugshot in January

Lesson: Teenagers learn lessons of greed, excess and insincerity from 'bad celebrities', whose public demise actually discourages them from bad behaviour. Above, Justin Bieber is pictured in a mugshot in January

Among the UK celebrities considered 'bad' and 'famous for nothing' were Canadian singer Justin Bieber and reality television star Kim Kardashian.

Bieber was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and drag racing in January and is currently being investigated for an alleged attempted robbery, while Kim gained worldwide fame through her reality television series, Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Meanwhile, Harry Potter actress Emma Watson and Olympic diver Tom Daley were perceived by teenagers as 'good' and 'real'.

Positive example: Among the British celebrities considered 'good' by teenagers was Olympic diver Tom Daley

Positive example: Among the British celebrities considered 'good' by teenagers was Olympic diver Tom Daley

The CelebYouth study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, included a number of discussion groups and interviews, as well as research on social media sites like Facebook.

Lead researcher Dr Heather Mendick, of Brunel University in London, told the newspaper: 'There is the idea that young people just want to get rich quick by going on reality TV or becoming a "wag".

'But what they want to do is earn money in a way that is worthwhile so that they feel that they deserve the money.'

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It can go both ways. Some want to be bad like that, others do turn the other way and behave. Celebs like Justin Beiber only seem to do these crazy antics for publicity. Which is the sad thing cause they can get away with it nowadays, but the teens that copy them don't have that luxury.

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These celebrities life style and issues are 'teachable moments' for my great niece (14). we have conversations and talk about the pros and cons, personal choice / consequences, etc. I did the same thing some 30 yrs. ago with my niece and nephew.

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People are always hating on Justin Bieber but I honestly think its jealousy. He's 20 years old and is worth 160m with millions of fans. I don't listen to his music and I'm definitely no 'beliber' but I am jealous of him.

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My best example on how to behave was my sister. She was a nightmare. I watched her grow up into this narcissistic monster and I grew up into quite the angel. Sure I have my issues, but I've never been closer to my parents.

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He is such a little creep...

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What a load of bull, those researchers shouldn't even call themselves researchers if they think this is true. Showing celebrities that constantly get away without severe punishment does not deter kids, it tells them its alright because they won't be punished for doing it, they fail to realise that money sings in the states and if you've got money you rarely go to jail.

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Rhianna, Beyonce and Miley Cyrus....How much damage are they doing?

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I would think most of his fans are years from being a teen.

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I think all the desperate no talenters who go on bgt and the like show that these types of people do have influence

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Parents raise children or should not the media........I've raised two trust me the media had no influence if it had they probably would have been on drugs.......Parent raise your children or don't have them to begin with.

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