Extensive research since the 1950s has asked what relationship--if any--exists between exposure media depictions of violence and actual violent behavior by children and adolescents. Researchers concede that a range of factors--social, economic and psychological, among others--cause violent youth behavior, but many contend that exposure to violent content in films, television and other media influences aggressive acts. They claim that media violence causes youth to behave more aggressively and that the effects continue into adulthood. Other scholars, however, maintain that the evidence does not support such claims.
Size
In an article on the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry website, psychiatrist Dr. Eugene V. Beresin writes that the presence of television--and televised violence--has increased steadily in American homes since the 1950s. He notes that nearly all American homes have televisions and that more than half of U.S. children have television sets in their bedrooms, enabling them to view hours of violent content without parental supervision. Dr. Beresin estimated that children watch an average of 28 hours of television a week and that the average child will view more than 200,000 televised violent acts by the age of 18.
Effects
Research by psychiatrists, psychologists and others report varying effects of violent content on children. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) stated in 2002 that studies show children and adolescents exposed to media depictions of violence become desensitized to violence, grow to accept violence as a legitimate form of conflict resolution, imitate aggressive acts they see on television, and identify with certain characters. Dr. Beresin writes that very young children--4 years old and younger--exposed to televised violence cannot distinguish fact from fantasy and will imitate such acts when playing with peers. He adds that, over time, children become unable to empathize with the victims of violence.
Types
Many studies of media violence and its effects on youth have focused on television. However, later studies have examined the impacts of other media, including music, video games and the Internet. The Media Awareness Network of Canada reported on a 2001 study, which found that children who play violent video games are more likely to exhibit real-life aggression. The organization also cited a 2003 study, which found that violent music lyrics increased aggressive thoughts in college students.
Considerations
Scientists who study the relationship between video violence and aggressive behavior in children caution that exposure to violent content is not the only cause of such behavior and that other factors may mitigate the effects of such exposure. The AACAP reported, for example, that children with emotional, behavioral or learning disabilities may be more influenced by violence in media than children without such conditions.
Prevention/Solution
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry offer recommendations to reduce children's exposure to media violence and its effects. AAP suggests that parents limit children's television viewing to 1-2 hours a day and watch programs with their children. The group also advises physicians to help parents understand the risks associated with exposing children to violent content. The AACAP advises parents to talk with their children about the differences between televised violence and real-life aggression, stressing that violence is not an appropriate way to resolve conflicts.
Expert Insight
Jonathan Freedman of the University of Toronto contends that the evidence is not overwhelming that exposure to violence on television produces aggressive behavior in children. Writing for the Media Institute, Freedman contends that the majority of studies fail to show a significant effect, adding that a handful of studies indicate only minor behavioral effects resulting from exposure to televised violence.
References
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Impact of Media Violence on Children and Adolescents
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Children and TV Violence
- Media Awareness Network: Research on the Effects of Media Violence
- Media Institute: Television Violence and Aggression: Setting the Record Straight
