Television and Media - Censorship of TV Violence Not Necessary

Censorship of TV Violence Not Necessary

Censorship of televised media often begins as a result of the concern many adults show over what their children watch. Children begin watching television at an early age, and they are usually lifetime viewers by the time they are two to three years old. There is usually a steady increase in the amount of television watched during a persons' childhood. This is followed by a decline during adolescence. What is more of a concern to the American people, however, is the amount of violence depicted on the television screen. The addition of cable TV also adds a whole new dimension to the problem. Children who watch a lot of TV are less aroused by violent scenes, less bothered by violence in general, and less likely to find anything wrong with it ( Comstock 521). A study by George Gerbner, Ph.D., at the University of Pennsylvania, enlightens this subject. His research shows that TV programs made for children typically contain over 20 acts of violence per hour. 'Children who watch the violent shows, even 'just funny' cartoons, were more likely to hit out at their playmates, argue, disobey class rules, leave tasks unfinished, and were less willing to wait for things than those who watched the nonviolent programs,' says Aletha Huston, Ph.D., now at the University of Kansas.

Even though many studies have been conducted on the effects of TV violence on youngsters many scientists doubt that a connection exists between these two topics. Most simply say that there is just not enough evidence available to make a definite conclusion. In the end it is up to the parents of children to make the ultimate decision of what should or should not be watched. There are several things parents ...

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...rograms of historical significance, such as Schindler's List, further lessons its value.

Overall it can be said that violence is indeed prevalent on television in today's society. Some may argue that this violence is harmful to our children and must be ended, while others view the media as a form of free speech. Either way it is up to the individual to make the decision on whether a program should or should not be watched. The TV can simple be turned off or the channel changed if the program is not to a person's liking. The government should not have to do this regulation for us.

Works Cited

Comstock, G. (1994). The effects of television violence on antisocial behavior: A meta-analysis. Communication Research, 21 (4), 516-546.

Palmer, E.L. (1988). Television and America's children: A crisis of neglect. New York: Oxford University Press.