The average estimates of how much television children watch tend to vary from three to four hours per day, and the number of violent acts on television can be as many as 10,000 annually, according to a study by the University of Pittsburgh's Office of Child Development. The consequences of all that TV violence can be significant, which is why parents are urged to reduce their kids' exposure to televised violence. Parents and guardians should also be prepared to talk with children about the images they see, particularly if the kids seem upset by them or appear to be repeating or otherwise emulating the violent acts or violent characters, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Become "Immune" to the Effects of Violence
In its "Facts for Families" report on children and TV violence, the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry identifies the numbing effect that too much exposure to TV violence can have on young minds. The horrific consequences of deadly violence and risky behavior lose their impact when a child sees such activity frequently.
Accept Violence as a Way to Solve Problems
In its report on "How TV Affects Your Child," KidsHealth notes that because the "good guys" often use violence to achieve their goals, children can become confused about when or if violence is acceptable. In addition, the report states that just as children can learn to accept violence as a legitimate solution to many problems, they also tend to start viewing the world as a scarier place, where violence and harm are more likely to affect them.
Imitate Violent Acts
Numerous studies show that children who are exposed to more TV violence tend to be more aggressive, according the University of Pittsburgh report, "TV and Movie Violence: How watching it is harmful to children." The report also suggests that since many violent acts go unpunished or without "real-life" consequences, children may grow up thinking that this kind of behavior may have few consequences in their own lives, which is obviously not the case.
