Television and Media Violence - Effects of TV Violence on Children

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Effects of Television Violence on Children

Television is the mainstream of our culture. Violence on television has been a topic of conflict since before 1950. There have been repeated debates on how to protect children from the harmful effects of violence on television. Television is one form of modern media that influences the everyday lives of people. Televised violence has a major effect on how children perceive the world and how they behave. "American television has become the most violent in the world. It is for this reason why researchers have focused their attention toward television violence" (Cantor & Hoffner 424-4-25). Children enjoy watching television and now with the increased technology of cable and movie rentals, shows have become readily accessible to children of all ages. "Television violence affects children of all ages, all socio-economic levels, and all levels of intelligence" (Eron 1992). Not only has the number of television shows increased, but also the amount of violence within television shows. Television can be a powerful influence in developing values systems, morals and also in shaping one's behavior. Unfortunately, much of today' s television programming is violent. Numerous studies indicating the effects of TV violence on children and teenagers have found that young people are becoming desensitized to the real world often learning aggressive behaviors by imitating the violence they observe on television, and sometimes identifying with certain characters, victims or victimizers. Many developmental links have been made between viewing televised violence and real life aggressive behaviors.

Does watching violence on television really harm young children? Most experts say ...

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