Why do you think media violence causes aggression in children?

Question

Why do you think media violence causes aggression in children?

Answer 1

Children imitate the behaviors they see in adults in their life, and on the tv.

Answer 2

I was once watching a show in which the host said that violence has more negative effect on children than s*x.Try watching any Quentin Tarantino movie in front of your younger brother or sister and you will know the difference

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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 consequences, portrayed as justified, or is rewarded will have a greater effect on children.

When the violence is committed by an attractive or charismatic hero, with whom the child identifies, the effect of that violence will be greater.

When the child's attention is focused on the violence on the screen, causing the child to be engaged or aroused, the impact is greater.

If the child sees the violence in the show as being realistic, reflecting real life, the impact will be greater.

Answer 5

Because TV, movies, etc. are now part of a childs social support system. Same as nanny's and au pair's and helpers and servants of old still are in many places. If Dad was violent around the kids we'd not think twice that affects children. But when it comes out of a machine instead we wonder?

Answer 6

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.

Answer 7

We become what we're exposed to because we learn from our environment.