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Media violence and young children
From the National Association for the Education of Young Children
Copyright © 1997 by National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Reproduction of this material is freely granted, provided credit is given
to the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Because young children cannot distinguish between fantasy and reality,
they are especially influenced by what they see on TV. Children under
seven are particularly vulnerable to powerful images of violent behavior
portrayed in the media. Both parents and caregivers share a responsibility
for protecting children from potentially harmful effects of exposure to
violence through TV, movies, and videos.
When children watch television, they are physically passive, yet mentally
alert. Their minds are ripe for absorbing ideas, information, and values.
Television can be a powerful teacher, so adults must make sure the lessons
children learn are good ones.
Three effects of too much TV violence on young children
- 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
conflict. As a result, children use physical or verbal abuse toward
others on the playground or at school.
- 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.
- Children may become more fearful of the world around them. Children's
naturally anxieties may become magnified by watching TV and movies in
which the world is a dangerous place where violence triumphs over peace.
There are other, more subtle effects of viewing too much violence on
TV:
- Children who view too much media violence may have more difficulty
getting along with others. If children do not see acts of kindness between
other children and adults, they are less likely to be kind, or resolve
their conflicts peacefully. This makes other children less eager to
play with them.
- Violent TV programs do not teach good language skills. Young children
tend to repeat things they hear as they begin to develop their own vocabularies.
Violent movies and TV programs show children a very limited way to talk
about their problems—and to solve them.
- Viewing TV violence limits children's imaginations. Make-believe play
helps children learn about themselves and the world around them. Yet,
many toys marketed today are associated with violent programs or movies.
Children tend to act out scenes they have already viewed with the very
same characters. If toys only encourage children to imitate scenes of
violence, what kind of benefits are they getting from play?
How parents can help
- Plan your family viewing. Give children a choice of what to watch—within
certain guidelines.
- Move the TV to a room that is not at the center of family life. Limit
children's viewing to one or two hours a day.
- Offer children other options. Play games, read books, or give children
other opportunities to be active and creative.
- Watch TV with your child, and talk about the programs you view together.
Point out when you disapprove of a character's violent acts and when
you think there are better ways to resolve problems.
- Discuss commercials with your children. Point out when advertisers
make false or exaggerated claims.
- Support regulation of children's television. Encourage legislators
to support legislation that promotes educational, nonviolent TV programming.
- Call or write TV stations (network and cable) to express your opinions—not
only when you are offended, but when you are pleased.
For more information:
Coalition for Quality Children's Video, 535 Cordova Rd., Suite 456, Santa
Fe, NM 87501. 505-989-8076.
National Foundation to Improve Television, 60 State St., Suite 3400,
Boston, MA 02109. 617-523-6553.
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