Is Chappell Roan’s Music Appropriate for Kids?

Chappell Roan is everywhere. The musician’s career totally exploded in 2024, taking her from an “if you know, you know” artist to a household name in a matter of months. She’s broken festival attendance records, (literally) set the MTV VMA stage on fire, and dominated streaming services. It’s definitely been the year of Chappell Roan, and your kids are probably paying attention.

Chappell Roan’s Music is as ubiquitous as the artist herself; her songs are even featured in Target commercials! But are her ‘80s-inspired power pop songs and introspective, sweeping ballads appropriate for your children? The music is catchy and fun, though some of its lyrical content may give parents pause. Here’s what the pros have to say.

What Parents Should Know About Chappell Roan’s Music

Like we said above, Chappell Roan’s music is basically everywhere you turn: on the radio, on TikTok, reigning over Spotify. There’s a reason for that: her music feels fresh and fun, and she’s redefining what a pop star can be.

“Chappell Roan is a modern, authentic voice in pop music, and her songs blend catchy beats with empowering messages,” says Fatemah Farahan, a licensed family therapist. “She sings about self-identity, self-love, and complex relationships—all important themes. Parents should know that some lyrics get into mature territory, touching on relationships and the ups and downs of adulthood.”

Roan’s lyrics also explore discovering one’s sexuality and her experience of coming out as a lesbian. “Her music takes us on a journey through queer experiences from heartbreak to those joyous moments of sexual discovery,” says Ruth Camp, a clinical psychologist and mental health counselor. For example, “Pink Pony Club” is about a club where “boys and girls can be queens” onstage, and “Red Wine Supernova” is about crushing on a girl who is equal parts “Playboy” and “Brigitte Bardot.”

Should Your Kids Listen to Chappell Roan’s Music?

Every family is different regarding what’s considered “appropriate” and what’s not, but it may be a good idea to check out Roan’s music yourself if your kids are listening. While the majority of her music is fun, upbeat pop, she does sing about sex quite often. (The same goes for other pop contemporaries, such as Sabrina Carpenter or Harry Styles.)

If you’re concerned about the lyrical content, you can find covers of her tracks on Kidz Bop, or go through the lyrics to create a playlist you feel comfortable with.

What Age is Best for Chappell Roan’s Music?

There are no hard and fast rules for which age group can or should listen to Roan’s music, but these guidelines can help you establish your comfort level.

Consider your family values, your child’s social dynamics with friends at school, and their maturity level—as well as the other types of music they typically listen to—to help guide your decision.

Under 10

Sure, your kids may love doing the “Hot to Go” dance, but the lyrical content of Roan’s music is likely beyond their comprehension.

“Kids in this age range are still working on understanding simpler themes like friendship, honesty, and kindness, and they can be more sensitive to mature language and content,” explains Farahan. “In my experience, exposing young kids to adult themes too early can create confusion, so this is an age where it’s helpful to set boundaries around music content.”

A custom Chappell playlist could be a good idea for this age group so they can still dance around the living room to their favorite songs.

12 and 13

Farahan says this age is a great intro point to the more grown-up concepts in Roan’s music and can spark conversations between parents and their kids. “Adolescents at this age are exploring their own identities and may be ready for some nuance,” she says. “I’ve often advised parents to let tweens and teens explore age-appropriate media that resonates with their own experiences because it helps them process their feelings and express themselves in healthy ways.”

To start those sometimes-uncomfortable conversations with your kids, Farahan recommends listening to the music yourself, then asking your kids what they think the songs are about, or if they relate. “It’s a chance to help kids think critically about lyrics and make their own choices, and it turns music into a shared experience rather than a forbidden fruit.”

Camp says that Roan’s music has actually helped her talk more frankly about sex with her children. “Roan’s music gave us a starting point to discuss setting boundaries, knowing what she wants as she starts thinking about dating, and even topics like casual sex and how it shouldn’t replace true emotional closeness.”

Teens

Camp says that Roan’s music is ideal for children in their late teens, as well as people in their early twenties, simply because the lyrical content is likely relevant to where they are in life. “This age group makes a huge connection with her [themes]such as finding your voice, having challenging relationships, and going through major life-changing events,” she says. “Her songs explore self-discovery, messy love, and personal development–all things that are relevant to teenagers transitioning…to the freedom of adulthood.”

How Chappell Roan Is a Good Role Model for Kids

Roan is a new type of pop star, one who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and set firm boundaries around fans and fame. She’s also been very open about her mental health and how difficult it has been to navigate this sudden superstardom. Fans are drawn to her because she’s real and honest, which makes her a great role model for the next generation of pop fans.

“Her candor is also a place where teenagers can freely admit to, and talk about, their own mental health,” says Camp. “[Roan] doesn’t just perform; she connects and shares her life, which includes her diagnosis of Bipolar 2 disorder and her issues with body image.”

The musician and her fans have created an environment of inclusivity, belonging, and acceptance, a place where you can put on a pink cowboy hat or a camo sweatshirt with some glitter on your face and celebrate your uniqueness. “She’s open about embracing her true self, which is a powerful message for young listeners,” says Farahan. “Listening to an artist who shares this kind of empowering message can help build self-worth in a healthy, grounded way.”