Russian State Duma Addresses Rap Music Due to Drug Promotion

Elena Vtorygina, Deputy Chair of the State Duma Committee on Family, Women, and Children, has proposed introducing age restrictions on songs and music videos by modern artists, particularly rap stars, due to concerns about drug references in their lyrics.

In an interview with RIA Novosti, Vtorygina explained that she regularly receives complaints from parents about the lack of labeling and restrictions on “trendy musical works that mention drugs and sexual content.”

“These songs are openly broadcast on television during the day, when schoolchildren are home alone. What’s more, even very young children have access to the works of artists like Eldzhey, Morgenshtern, and other rappers on video platforms and social networks. Their accounts are open for anyone to view without restrictions,” Vtorygina noted.

Concerns from Parents

According to Vtorygina, parents returning from work often hear their children repeating provocative phrases they’ve picked up from their idols. In response, she is calling for an immediate halt to radio and TV broadcasts of such content during daytime hours, and for online access to be restricted for minors to works that describe pornographic scenes, promote drug use, or glorify excessive wealth.

Proposed Measures for Online Platforms

Vtorygina believes that social networks and platforms like YouTube should require users to provide proof of age during registration, and then tailor available content categories accordingly.

“I am ready to do whatever it takes to ensure that children grow up without absorbing such lyrics,” the State Duma deputy added.