Saturday, October 8, 2011

Children & Violent TV

Mental effects

Studies performed by George Gerbner from the University of Pennsylvania revealed that children who watch large amounts of violent TV tend to see the world as an evil and scary place. Some children become numb to real-life violence when they witness too much violence on television. This can cause children to become desensitized to the pain of other people. Some children also begin to identify with violent characters.
Social Effects

A Washington Post article explains that children who watch violent television tend to socialize with friends less. This is especially true if these children watch violent programs by themselves. Violent TV teaches violent behavior, and children who act out that violence can become isolated from their peers and revert back to aggressive programming. That isolation creates a cycle that is difficult to get out of.
Imitation

Violence in TV is sometimes shown as a fun way to solve problems. The KidsHealth website explains that this makes it more attractive for children to imitate. Violence on television is often instigated by the good characters, teaching children it is okay to kick, punch or hit if something is not going their way. Children can become confused when they become punished for their violent behavior. After all, the good character on TV does not get punished for fighting.
Educational Effects

The Association for Natural Psychology website says that studies suggest that violent television affects the school performance of children. Kids who are repeatedly exposed to violence in the media tend to produce lower grades than children who do not watch violent television and movies. Unfortunately, the Internet makes violent media much easier to view both in and outside of school.
Parental Involvement

Parents have the ability to protect their children from violent television. Parents should watch TV with their children, taking the opportunity to explain that the violence that occurs on television is not real. Real violence results in injury or even death. If the programming becomes too violent, a parent should turn off the TV and explain that it is not acceptable viewing material. Time limits should be placed on television viewing.

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