Mary
Gosche, Human Development Specialists
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𠏋 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.
|
