The Influence of TV Violence on Children's Behavior

Aggression

• There are many studies linking media violence to the aggression of children. In July 2000, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Psychological Association issued a joint statement affirming the link between media violence and aggressive behavior in children. The statement goes on to explain that it is the context in which violence is portrayed, and not the violence itself, that can have a detrimental affect on a child's behavior.

Other Contributing Factors

• There are other factors that contribute to an increase in aggressive behavior in children. As noted, the context in which media violence is presented exacerbates aggression more than the violence itself. Family environment is also a key factor. The amount of physical punishment encountered at home, rejection by parents and parental endorsement of sociopathic attitudes all contribute to increase the frequency of aggressive or violent outbursts in children.

Media Literacy

• The issue of violent behavior as influenced by media violence goes back to the issue of media literacy. Children are more likely to mimic violent behaviors because they can't distinguish between reality and the images presented to them in the media. When children are taught basic media principles, they can consume media more critically, allowing them to distinguish between the media and real life. Also, there is evidence that active media, such as video games and the Internet, may have an even greater influence on aggressive behavior than passive media, such as television.

Other Effects

• Increased aggressive behavior is only one of several possible effects had by a steady diet of media violence. Body image and self-esteem are also adversely affected by a lot of violent media consumption. Media violence also hinders a child's ability to integrate socially with peers. Less directly, increased recreation time spent watching TV and playing video games is a factor in increased child obesity rates over the last two decades.