Violence affects children – whether it’s on TV, in music, or in the environment. Many parents, surprisingly, will argue to the contrary.
Three relatively sound conclusions currently exist about the effect of violence on children’s behavior.
1) Violent environments tend to produce violent children.The more children are directly exposed to violence between parents, or in their community, the more likely they are to become violent.
Take it a step further. The more children experience physical punishment, the greater the likelihood of childhood aggression. Corporal punishment is correlated with increased risk in child abuse. Although spankings do not necessarily lead to abuse, a much higher risk of physical abuse exists where corporal punishment is readily endorsed.
2) More than likely, exposure to violent TV increases aggression.The link between exposure to violent TV and childhood aggression is not particularly strong. Yet clearly, children who are exposed to violent TV tend to behave more aggressively.
Furthermore, these children seem drawn to violent TV. After exposure to such programs, they were more likely to use more aggressive and violent tactics in handling problems with peers.
More significantly, research has linked violent TV-watching in childhood to violence in adulthood. A 15-year longitudinal study found a 100 percent increase in the risk of violent and aggressive behavior in participants who had watched an inordinate amount of aggressive and violent TV, as children. Furthermore, 70 percent of the men reported being involved in physical disputes with another person later in life (see Developmental Psychology, v. 39, No. 2, L. Rowell Huesmann).
3) Violent song lyrics increase the risk of aggression.Many popular songs espouse aggressive themes, some more explicitly than others. Lyrics containing anti-social themes, and negative views of authority, ethnic groups, and women were found to increase aggressive thoughts and feelings. While the link to behavior was not direct, participants were more aggressive and hostile in their perceptions of society after exposure to such music (see The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, May, v. 48.5, Craig Anderson, Ph.D.).
The link between media and violence continues to be more thoroughly explored. How can we expect to produce peaceful and loving children, if we allow them a diet of violent cartoons, video games, and music that promotes aggression and hostility? Where is our common sense?
Bu what’s a little violence going to do to my son? Truthfully, I don’t know. No one knows!
Think of it this way. Suppose you went to buy your children some apples. At the check out, you notice a big sign over the top of the apple bin, clearly stating that one in every hundred apples contains a poison that will make your child very sick, and cause her life-long problems.
I doubt many of you would choose to buy those apples. If you do, you have to pretend NOT to have seen the sign.
The data about the impact of exposure to violence on behavior is relatively clear. There is a negative effect upon kids’ behavior when exposed to aggression and violent TV & video. The extent is difficult to predict. It may not be there every time. But it does increase the risk of having a child who thinks more aggressively, feels more angry, and may act out with aggression.
I’m here to be sure you see the signs. Share the sign with others: exposure to violence could lead to more anger and aggression.
Is it worth the risk?
Dr. Randy Cale, a Clifton Park-based parenting expert, author, speaker and licensed psychologist, offers practical guidance for a host of parenting concerns. His Web site,
www.TerrificParenting.com,, offers free parenting guidance and an e-mail newsletter.