Why do you think media violence causes aggression in children?
Six prominent medical groups (American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, American Psychological Association, American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Psychiatric Association) warn of these effects of media violence on children: Children will increase anti-social and aggressive behavior. Children may become less sensitive to violence and those who suffer from violence. Children may view the world as violent and mean, becoming more fearful of being a victim of violence. Children will desire to see more violence in entertainment and real life. Children will view violence as an acceptable way to settle conflicts. (Congressional Public Health Summit, 2000) Many factors in the portrayal of media violence contribute to its affect on children and teens (Comstock, 1994, Huesmann, 2001): What are the consequences for aggressive behavior? Is it rewarded or punished? Aggressive behavior on screen that lacks consequ
It doesn’t. It’s a combination of poor parenting and scapegoats to make up for a child’s behavior. Choice for short. Our children, ages 11 and 14 see media violence and they don’t act aggressively. Unlike many parents though, I take the time to explain to our kids what exactly is going to happen to them if they act out in such a way or break the law. Many parents feel if they do this that they will shock the child’s feelings and be insensitive towards them. Let them explain that to a judge and jury. Edit: I grew up watching Bronson and Eastwood movies and not once did I go out and shoot somebody.
If we are young and less sensitive to the inevitability of our own death, we are even more apt to take risks and give little thought to the meaning and impact of our aggressive behavior. In any case, teenagers as well as some adults unconsciously saturate their lives with the elements and icons of aggression and violence. This is starting to become a serious problem in our society.
