Does violence on television really teach kids to be violent in real life?
This is a great example of a simple question that cant be answered easily. Television is just one of many factors that shape childrens behavior. Parents, teachers, and peers are also instrumental. But underlying the question is whether television is directly responsible for the growing problem we have with violence. Most experts suggest that our increasing tolerance of violence may be linked to escalating examples in the media. Children may become desensitized to violence until new and more horrible examples are used. The desensitization may also discourage children from developing proper empathy. But television can also provide positive models as well. The long-standing popularity of Sesame Street and other educational programs suggests that we shouldnt just condemn television but appreciate range for good and bad influence.
