Beyond Scared Straight

Beyond Scared Straight is one of the hottest shows on the popular TV network A&E. The show focuses on a few troubled teens who are rapidly spiraling downward in life. The children are enrolled in various 'scare-tactic' programs in prisons all over America, by their parents with the hopes that their children will put their own lives in perspective and realize that if they continue what they are doing, this is how they will end up.

The show focuses on troubled teens from about the age of 12 to 18, who are very often involved in minor thefts, suspension from school, fighting, etc. The teens are then forced by their parents to spend an entire day in a prison and see exactly what their life could be like if they do not change. They are forced to interact with real convicts, murderers, rapists, and pedophiles, and the teens will also see the living conditions inside a prison and exactly what it is like to in jail. Ultimately, the teens will know exactly where they are headed if they do not start behaving and get their life back on track.

At the end of each show, the teens who were focused on in the episode, give a recent update on their life and they tell whether the prison visit has made them rethink their actions and if they are doing anything differently from then. Most of the children have positive results after the jail visit and are getting their life back on track with goals and ambitions in their minds. Unfortunately, that cannot be said for all teens as some of them show absolutely no change in their behavior, and show that the jail visit has not affected them at all.

Overall, the show has gained positive reviews from the network viewers and has recently been extended to its third season. The show appeals to the viewers by showing these troubled teens and how most of them have changed for the better. These, unfortunately, relatable children are kids who can be in your neighborhood, cities, and your families. The show gives off a positive message for the adults and kids alike, exactly what will happen if they do not get their life back in order and follow the law.