The American Academy of Pediatrics states that a child with a current behavioral or impulse control problem might be more influenced by television, although that influence may not come out for several years. According to Kids Health, the average American child sees 200,000 violent acts on television by 18 years of age. The majority of toddlers watch about two hours of television daily, and school age children and teenagers watch approximately four hours of television a day. This makes television a major influence in your child’s life, which can be especially negative if your child already displays violent or aggressive behavior.
Increased Aggression
Kids Health states that a child who views violence on television is more likely to show aggression. This aggression can be learned from models on television, such as the hero on a television show. Your child may also be more aggressive out of fear of becoming the victim that she sees on television. The Kaiser Family Foundation states that kids who view violence are also more likely to spread rumors, insult and hurt others.
Stress and Sleeping Problems
A child who views violence on television may experience anxiety or a stress disorder. This type of stress can cause nightmares and affect his ability to sleep well. Kids Health indicates that this fear may develop from the belief that something violent will happen to him. Your young child cannot discern fantasy from reality and may think that violent situations are likely to happen to him, causing stress and worry.
Distorted Reality
Overexposure to violent television can cause your child to become desensitized to violence. In the correct context, violence on television can be portrayed in a way that teaches morals and consequences, but violence is not always in this context on TV. This distorted reality can cause your child to see violence as a fun way to get what she wants, especially because the heroes in television are not always held responsible for violent actions.
