TV Violence and the Future of Our Children
TV Violence and the Future of Our ChildrenIn recent years, the news has seemed to mimic violence that appears in television and in movies. Several incidents support the majority of people's assumption that TV violence affects a child's behavior in many ways. A child's judgment is hurt badly by viewing TV violence, which can have some serious long-term effects. First of all, when children see characters on TV or in movies triumph by using physical force, they begin to see violence as an acceptable way of resolving conflicts. As a result, children use physical or verbal abuse toward others on the playground or at school. Some parents often worry that their children will not fit in with their friends if they do not watch popular children's television programs. "American Children on average watch four hours of television a day"(Torr). Sadly most of this viewing is violence and hundreds of studies have shown that TV violence does have an effect on kids. They become "immune to the horror of violence, gradually accept violence as a way to solve problems, imitate the violence they observe on television; and identify with certain characters, victims and or victimizers". (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry ). Chi
"The American Psychological Association says the average child watches 8,000 televised murders and 100,000 acts of violence before finishing elementary school. That number more than doubles by the time he or she reaches age eighteen"(Johnson). "It is estimated that the average American will witness approximately 20,000 simulated television deaths in his or her lifetime"(Torr). Also, children may become more fearful of the world around them. "Children's television programs actually contain five times more violence than the average prime time hour of TV."(Alexander) Watching TV and movies in which the world is a dangerous place where violence triumphs over peace may magnify children's natural anxieties. Since a child's mind is still developing during his early years, watching too much television may limit his potential by confusing him about what is right, wrong, or fake. Vast researches on the effects of children's exposure to TV violence gives us a clear message that it causes children to be more aggressive, both immediately and as they grow older. Children with greater exposure have more difficulties in problem-solving and poorer peer relationships. Parents need to watch and listen carefully to the television programs that their children watch and decide whether the message that it delivers support the values that the family believes are important. Secondly, children may become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others. Viewing violence encourages children to see other people as enemies rather than as individuals with thoughts and feelings like themselves. Children who cannot put themselves in others' shoes may become less desirable playmates. One perfect example that supports this idea is the Columbine High School tragedy in which two young men opened fire, detonated bombs, and killed several schoolmates and teachers. Two of the many causes for their rampage were watching the movie the Matrix and not feeling any remorse for their predicted actions. Because the boys were so used to witnessing violence in televisi
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Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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