Features
Help Prevent Violence on TV
Mary Gosche, Human Development Specialist, Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri Extension
Why Take A Stand?
Over 1,000 research studies in the past 50 years show
there is a relationship between viewing violence in
television programs and movies with aggressive behavior
in children, youth, and adults. According to Bushman,
children are more vulnerable because they are more
easily impressionable and children have a harder time
distinguishing between fantasy and reality.
Research has shown three major effects of viewing
violence on television:
- Children may become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others.
- Children may be more fearful.
- Children may be more likely to behave in aggressive or harmful ways toward others.
Violent Television Programs and Video Games
A typical American child spends an average of 28 hours a
week, which is nearly 3 to 4 hours a day, watching
television. When looking at the total of television,
music, and video games, children between the ages of
8-18 spend more than 40 hours a week in these
activities. Children may be exposed to as many as 5
violent acts per hour during prime time and an average
of 26 violent acts per hour during Saturday morning
children’s programs.
Children spend many hours learning from television,
movie, and video game characters. These media characters
appeal to the audio, visual, and kinetics modes of
learning, making them very stimulating to young
audiences. If caution is not taken; these media methods
can minimize the presence of parents, teachers, and
other adults in the community as role models. Repeated
exposure over time strengthens the learning of observed
violent acts.
When it comes to entertainment and children, grown-ups
need to evaluate the media the child watches.
- Know what your child is watching and playing.
- If your child already has violent video games or movies, explain why they are harmful and get rid of them. Offer to buy new, nonviolent movies or games and give your child some choice in selecting nonviolent TV programs, movies, and games.
- If, after viewing TV or playing a video game,
your child is aggressive, cranky, or scared, make a
different choice.
Every household can take a stand and stamp out violence in their entertainment.
References:
Greder, K., & Charania, A. (2004) Entertainment Media Violence: Roles for Extension Professionals. Journal of Extension, 42:5. Retrieved from www.joe.org/joe/2004october/a4.shtml
Last Updated 05/05/2009
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