Learn How Media Violence Affects Children 

-- And What to Do About It

STAY TUNED

Parents, along with educators and other professionals, have become more and more concerned about media violence and its effects on children.  Because television, movies and other forms of entertainment have the power to influence our attitudes and behaviors, it is important that parents learn as much as possible about protecting their children from unnecessary exposure to violence in all types of media.

Most experts agree that violent behavior is often learned at an early age.  Yet the many American children will see more than 8,000 murders and 100,000 acts of violence on television before finishing grade school.

Parents have every right to be concerned and to ask the following questions.

Does the term "media violence" refer only to television and movies?

No.  Even thought parents have become aware of too much violence in movies and television programs, there are many examples of violent acts in video games, written material, news reports, and music lyrics.

It is natural to be concerned about television because approximately 98% of American homes have at least one television set.  In homes where there are several sets, children often view programs separately from patents, unnoticed and unsupervised.  Movies have some of the most graphic violence of all entertainment.  That is why it is so important for parents to learn about movies their children want to see and to check the rating before allowing them to view a movie.

How can my child be affected by excessive violence in the media?

Violent acts repeated over and over have the most impact on children.  Not all children react in the same way, but exposure to media violence has the potential to:

• stimulate aggressive behavior

• encourage problem solving by physical force

• produce fear about living in a dangerous world

• make children numb to violent acts.

Is watching television always bad for children?

No. There are good programs that educate children and get them interested in other projects besides watching TV.  A parent's job is to be aware of the programs their children watch and how often they watch them.  Here are some general tips:

• Set limits on how much TV is allowed each day.

• Make a list of all programs for the week.  Include some that the whole family can watch together.

• If you are not sure what a program is about, view it with yor child and decide if it is acceptable.  If it is not, explain to the child why you will not allow further viewing of the program in your home.

• Avoid using television as a babysitter.  Offer other ideas such as reading, acting out a play and sports.

Where can I get more information about the effect of media violence?

If you wish to become more informed on this subject, good information is available.

National Crime Prevention Council

American Academy of Pediatrics

National PTA

Source: National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse brochure