TV Violence

     Television is a powerful influence on the society we live in. An average American child watches three to four of television daily. But unfortunately, today’s television programming have some kind of violence in them. This kind of violence can affect our society, especially our children and teenagers.

     Some kids think violence on the television is cool and awesome, but they are sadly mistaken. Hundreds of studies have been made and it said that kids, “Become ‘immune’ or numb to the horror of violence, gradually accept violence as a way to solve problems, imitate the violence they observe on television; and identify with certain characters, victims and/or victimizers.”

     Now, children that watch television violence are said to get aggressive. Children that tend to watch single violence program can imitate what they saw on the television. Children that is repeatedly exposed to violence and gore on the television can get Mean World Syndrome, believing that the real world is mean and dangerous as it appears so often to be on television.

     A study was researched at Pennsylvania state University nursery school about the kinds of television programs children watch to see the influence of their levels of aggression and sensitivity. The study was based on aggressive behavior. “Three groups of children were each given a short-term diet of different television programs. One group watched either “Batman” or “Superman” cartoons. A second group was shown “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood,” and a third viewed neutral programs with neither violence nor pro-social messages. They watched their respective programs for one-half hour a day, three days a week, over a four-week period.

     Children who watched “Batman” and “Superman” cartoons were found to be more physically active. They were more likely to get into fights with one another, play roughly, break toys, and snatch toys from others. The children who watched “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood,” however, were more likely to play in a cooperative manner. They were more likely to spontaneously offer to help the teacher and engage in “positive peer counseling”-- showing kindness, sensitivity, and concern for others.

     Those children who watched neutral programming were neither more aggressive nor more helpful.” This study shows evidence that children that watch violent television increased their aggression on other children and that children that watched positive programs learns to behave, have sensitivity, and cooperation. Even adults get more aggressive. A study showed that student at 30 years old was found a relationship between early television viewing and arrest and conviction for violent crimes, including spousal abuse, child abuse, murder, and aggravated assault.

     Parents need to watch what their child is watching now a day to television. They need to limit the amount of time they spend on the television, point out that the actors are actually hurt or killed, change the channel or turn off the TV set when offensive material comes on, with an explanation of what is wrong with the program, and disapprove of the violent episodes in front of the children.  These facts will definitely help the child improve on their behavior and additude.