The Impact of TV Violence on Children

While the precise impact TV violence has on children is uncertain, many feel it can lead to an increase in aggressive behavior. Various school shootings in the news, combined with easier access to firearms and other dangerous weapons, has ushered in a new era of study on the subject. Violent behavior in children may have a number of causes, including socio-economic background, psychiatric orders and child abuse. However, research shows that exposure to TV and other media violence makes children more vulnerable to behaving violently.

  1. Research

    • According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), expansive research on the impact of televised violence on youth behavior has been done over the past 30 years. According to studies, the typical child will witness more than 200,000 televised acts of violence, including over 16,000 murders, before the age of 18. In general, TV programs show 812 acts of violence per hour. Children's programs, specifically cartoons, show up to 20 acts of violence per hour. According to the AACAP, experimental, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have all shown a correlation between televised and youth violence.

    Aggression

    • The AACAP believes children under age 4 can have trouble distinguishing between what is real and what is fantasy. Violence may seem like normal, accepted behavior to them. A child's notion of conflict resolution can be affected by seeing televised role models--such as superheroes--using violence to solve problems. Children may imitate this behavior and may believe they are justified in using violence against people they see as enemies or victimizers.

    Expanding Media Violence

    • While TV programs used to be the primary source of onscreen violence, this is expanding into other forms of media. According to the AACAP, 15 percent of music videos display acts of violence, as well as a large number of video games. Both can have the same role-modeling effects as TV. Video games are especially worrisome because children can actually control the infliction of violence, as opposed to merely observing it. The Internet can also expose children to many forms of violence and provide information on how to purchase and build weapons.

    AAP Solutions

    • The American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP, suggests that parents should put limits on the amount of time children spend watching television. They should also watch programs with their children so they can address any onscreen violent behavior. The AAP encourages medical professionals to help make schools and parents aware of the risks of televised violence.

    AACAP Solutions

    • The AACAP is a strong proponent of TV ratings and program blocking. They advise physicians and health organizations to communicate with networks, cable and satellite providers, local stations, and government officials and agencies to help spread awareness on the impact of televised violence.

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