Violence on Television Can Have Negative Effects on Children

Watching repeated violence on television desensitizes children to violence, and similarly incorrect portrayals of sex on television may contribute to adolescent sex. Violence, and sex on television negatively impacts today's youth, and adolescents.

In fact, a main contributor to these negative effects on children are caused by parents. Some parents pay little to no attention to the ratings of television shows, or movies, or the amount of sex, and/or violence their child sees on television. Studies indicate as follows,"Many parents find the entertainment industry's media ratings systems difficult to use; 68% of the parents of 10 to 17 year olds do not use the television rating system at all (Anderson, Bushman 17)." This is an astounding amount of parents that cannot tell which shows, or movies are appropriate for their children's viewing. Ratings for television shows are determined by industry sponsored ratings boards, or the producers themselves(Anderson, Bushman 18).

Therefore, industries, or the producers of shows can determine the ratings, however this may not be appropriate for all ages. There should be organizations that reflect the beliefs of parents, and what they believe is appropriate for their children, not the producers, or industry themselves. For example, shows containing sex, and violence such as "South Park" can have ratings that pertain to children 14 years of age, and up. However, not all parents agree that their 14 year old child should watch a show containing that content. In addition, the ratings are based on age, assuming all parents agree on what their children should watch at a specific age. Parents have many different views on whats appropriate for their children to be exposed to, and should every right ...

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...ystems that can reflect on what most parents believe their children can be exposed to, or what appropriate for them to watch. For these reasons communities should come together to help prevent their children from being negatively influenced by violent, and sexual content.

These studies have helped exploit the negative influences that are exposed to children, and adolescents when they view sexual, or violent content. Having more control over what your kids are exposed to can prevent these influences. Violence, and sex on television does in fact negatively influence today's youth, and adolescents. "Children are influenced by media; they learn by observing, imitating, and making behaviors their own(Anderson, Bushman 19)." Helping prevent children from negative influences, and instilling positive influences can help make society safer for future generations to come.