People watch more television now than ever before. Most families own at least one television set at home, literally making our planet a wired world.

The television gives us immediate access to important information that would take other forms of media much later to reach us. Unfortunately, the TV grants us access to unnecessary and sometimes unhealthy (sexual or violent in nature) information. If an adult were to watch a TV program with violent content, at least he/she would know that it is just a TV program. But what about our kids?

The Public Interest article Violence on Television What do Children Learn? What Can Parents Do?

published in the APA Help Center, sums-up the results of various studies about violence on television and their impact on our kids. It also offers steps that can help parents limit the amount of violent programs kids can watch.

How violence on television affects children

A number of studies have been conducted to determine the effects of violent TV programs on children. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reported that "Violent programs on television lead to aggressive behavior by children and teenagers who watch those programs." NIHM's report corroborated and extended an earlier study conducted by the Surgeon General.

In 1985, because of the findings of the 2 studies, the American Psychological Association passed a resolution informing broadcasters and the public of the possible dangers watching violence on TV may have on kids.

Research results

Numerous studies show that there are 3 major effects violence on TV has on children:

• Children may grow less sensitive to other people's pain and suffering.

• Children may become afraid of the world around them.

• Children may become more aggressive towards others.

Studies also show that kids who watch more television are less moved by violent scenes than those who watch TV less. This means that they are less troubled by violence in general - on TV or in real life. This also means that they are less inclined to do something about it.

In other studies, it was found that kids who watched a violent program, then later saw younger children fighting, were slower to step in or call for help.

In the researches done by George Gerbner, Ph.D., at the University of Pennsylvania, it showed that kids' programs have about 20 violent acts per hour. Gerbner's researches also showed that children who watch a lot of television are more inclined to think that the world is a dangerous place.

A study done by Pennsylvania State University showed that children behave differently after watching violent programs on TV. The study involved about 100 preschool children who were observed before and after watching television. Some of the kids watched cartoons with violent acts.

Others watched programs that did not contain any form of violence. The researchers noted that "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.

The effects of violent programs on kids are long-term, as Leonard Eron, Ph.D., and his associates at the University of Illinois, found in their field studies.

Their researches showed that those who watched TV violence for long hours when they were in elementary were more likely to display a higher level of aggressiveness when they reached their teens.

Observing these kids until they were in their 30s, Dr. Eron found that the kids who watched lots of TV violence when they were eight were more inclined to be arrested and prosecuted for criminal acts as adults.

What parents can do?

Scientists agree that it is not beyond the parents' power to regulate the television's influence on their kids. Experts suggest doing the following actions:

Limit the number of hours that kids can watch TV, to at least reduce the amount of violence they watch.

Watch at least one episode of programs that their kids watch to have an idea what their kids are being exposed to.

Parents should also talk with their kids' about the programs that they watch.

When the parents see a violent act on their kids' program, they can discuss it with their child to explain why the character behaved that way. They should also explain that the violent behavior they had just seen is not "real" or not the way people usually solve their problems. They can also discuss "alternative (non-violent) reactions" the character could have had.

Parents can ban TV shows they find too violent. They can also limit their child's viewing to more beneficial programs such as educational shows.

Parents should encourage their kids to spend time with their friends, in hobbies or on sports, as well as other healthy alternatives to watching TV.

Lastly, parents should encourage their kids to watch TV programs that highlight good values such as helping, caring and giving. Studies actually show that such programs can influence their kids to become more kind and considerate.

Source: APA Help Center