Essay About Effect Of Media Violence And Potential Implications Of This Issue

Effect of Media Violence on Children and Adolescent Behaviors
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MEDIA
VIOLENCE
CHILDREN
Effect of Media Violence on Children and Adolescent Behaviors
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MEDIA
VIOLENCE
CHILDREN
Abstract
This literature review examined examples and statistics about media violence and the
implications and possible influence on children and adolescent behaviors. Researchers and
medical personnel, and mental health professionals have debated whether or not viewing
violence in the media has an effect on children and adolescents. The Committee on Pediatric
Workforce (2001) noted that, “Research has associated exposure to media violence with
aggressive behavior, desensitization to violence, fear, depression, nightmares, and sleep
disturbances” (p. 1223). Television and assorted media violence can have an impact on attitudes
and behaviors, including violent behavior as well as the imitation of acts viewed on television.
MEDIA
VIOLENCE
CHILDREN
Effect of Media Violence on Children and Adolescent Behaviors
Introduction
One might be surprised to learn that American children ages 2 to 18 years appear to
spend more time viewing media each day than any other activity besides sleeping (Committee on
Pediatric Workforce, 2001, p. 1222). Children average about 6 hours, 32 minutes a day listening
to and viewing media such as music, television, internet, video games, and print (Committee on
Pediatric Workforce, 2001, p. 1222). The purpose of this literature review is to examine the
impact and or influence media violence may have on the behavior and attitudes of children and
adolescents. The question addressed in this paper is: How does Media Violence Affect
Childrens and Adolescents Behavior? It appears that television and assorted media violence
can influence childrens and adolescents attitudes and behavior, including violent behavior, and
imitation of things they view on television. The information for this paper was obtained from
scholarly and professional journal articles, books, and online sources.
This paper is designed to give readers insight into this growing problem in America.
Some parents and caregivers may not be aware of the consequences of exposing children and
adolescents to violence in the media. According to Rubinstein (1983), “Television can no longer
be considered a casual part of daily life, as an electronic toy” (p. 820). Making people aware of
the potential implications of this issue could assist parents in creating a brighter future for their
children.
Review of Literature
Engagement in Viewing Violence
Committee on Pediatric Workforce (2001) reported the, “The context in which violence
is portrayed can make the difference between learning about violence and learning to be violent”
(p. 1224). For example, the movies Saving Private Ryan, Shawshank Redemption, or Blackhawk
MEDIA
VIOLENCE
CHILDREN
Down have number of violent scenes in them. The difference amongst those movies and movies
such as Saw, Scream, or Hellboy, for example, is the type of violence that is depicted. The
former shows scenes of wars, turbulent times in history, and the loss of human life. They show
the emotions that are experienced when a loss has occurred, as well as the harm that is done
when people resort to violence. The latter films show violence differently than it occurs in real
life and seem to be made to please movie-goers out for a thrill; human cost or emotions may not
be shown in those types of movies (Committee on Pediatric Workforce).
Children may often learn by observing and trying out behavioral scripts (Committee on
Pediatric Workforce (2001). If the child is continually exposed to violent and aggressive
behavioral scripts, the child could learn to react with hostility when provoked. Video games,
therefore, can be an ideal place to learn violence; the player may feel a sense of satisfaction when
he or she wins points or moves to a different level of the game for committing violent acts. The
player is not a bystander who is simply viewing the violence, the player has the chance to
“rehearse an entire behavioral script from provocation, to choosing to respond violently, to
resolution of the conflict” (Committee on Pediatric Workforce, p. 1225). Some people in society
have