TV VIOLENCE

Effects of Television Violence on Children

Effects of Television Violence on Children

Introduction

Families should familiarize themselves with the specific areas of concern with regard to TV content. According to a TV Violence Study (conducted from 2006 to 2008), children's TV is more violent than adult's TV. In addition, one quarter of the violent interactions features guns. The average child views 10,000 murders, rapes, and assaults per year on TV. Violence is often portrayed as either humorous or as an acceptable solution to a complex problem, particularly for the “good guy.” Scientific studies suggest that a heavy diet of TV violence may lead to aggressive behaviour in certain susceptible children and teens. In one study, for example, children became more violent in their play after TV was introduced into their community. They also exercised less and were less creative in their play. In another remarkable 22-year study, a hearty diet of violent programming at age 8 years or younger correlated significantly with more aggressive behaviour at ages 19 years and 30 years.

This paper discusses the effects of television violence on children, it also discusses to what extent academic research supports the idea that there should be strict censorship of films and news bulletins on television to prevent children from copying violent incidents.

Discussion

Many studies have suggested that media violence increases aggressive behaviour in children. Work by Huesmann et al. has shown that viewing violent tapes increases arousal, hawkish thinking, and aggressive acts. Longitudinal studies by the same author in other countries demonstrated a correlation between the hours of television viewed and subsequent child aggression. (Bandura 2006 15-20)

Recent years have seen a tremendous increase in exposure to violence through television, movies, the Internet, music videos, and video games. If the viewing child or adolescent also experiences violence in the neighborhood and at home, violence is reinforced as a real option. While ratings of violence in music, videos, and computer games are meant to help with parental supervision, parents do not always use these tools and may not have control of what is provided by older siblings or friends. Movies can be viewed repeatedly on VCRs or DVD players that are widely available. Many writers have noted that the realism inherent in newer video games and cartoons may enhance the realism of the violence. Parental involvement in media decisions tends to decrease the level of violence exposure for their children, as summarized in Table A.

TABLE A. ESSENTIALS OF MANAGING MEDIA VIOLENCE

Limit the time that children spend alone with TV, video, and video games.

Watch and discuss television, movies, etc. with children.

Make it clear that violence is not acceptable, even if it is acted out by the hero/heroine.

Take note of parental advisory rating on movies, video games, and CDs.

Ensure that children have adequate after-school adult supervision.

Limit the amount of time that children spend using the Internet, especially chat rooms.

Critics of television violence say that when children watch an endless stream of violent acts, they become "desensitized" to the destructive effects of aggressive behaviour and feel ...