Effects of Violence on Children

Television has both positive and negative effects on children between the ages of two and five. Some research shows that violence in the media can be linked to aggressive behavior in children. Though, some researchers disagree with this statement and believe that there are other factors, besides television, which cause children to become violent. The following essay will reflect both sides of this argument. Violent television shows lead to violence in children between the ages of two and five. A study conducted by Albert Bandura concludes that violence in the media can lead to aggressive behavior. In this study, the experimental group was shown a cartoon where the characters acted in a violent manner, while the control group was not. When given a large inflatable doll to play with, the experimental group punched the doll, while the control group ignored it. Likewise, another study showed that the murder rate in the United States dramatically increased when the television became more available (Westrup). Violence in prime-time television has considerably increased since 1994. Even though TV shows have a rating system, many are overlooked as being aggressive. Violence is shown to children as being "desirable, necessary and painless" ("Children") which is a danger to children this age. Many can grow up thinking that violence is okay since it was seen on a cartoon. In cartoons, little effort is given to show the effects of aggressive behavior since most of the characters get right up after being hit by something. Parents are unaware of the amount of violence that is shown in Saturday morning cartoons. Many usually sit their child in front of the television and go about their business of cleaning, paying bills or other things. Parents need to be knowledgeable on the types of violence shown on television especially that which is seen in cartoons. For example, the cartoon "Power Rangers" has much aggressive behavior that parents can overlook. When exposed to this show, children between the ages of two and five were said to imitate the actions of the characters towards one another. Research shows that less than five percent of shows have a non-violent subject matter ("Children"). Parents need to take time out of their day and sit down with their child to observe what they are watching on television. Parents should also explain the consequences of violent behavior, since television rarely does this. Aggressive behavior shown on television, particularly in cartoons, leads to violent behavior in children. There are other factors, other than television, that can lead to aggressive behavior in children. Research conducted by Guy Cumberbatch says that, in some cases, noise can cause children to act violent. Other research shows that the increase in murders in the United States is due to an increase in population. Japan has very violent television, though, has little "real-life" violence (Westrup). Many Hollywood persons have tried to create non-violent programs. This shows that people actually care about what is going on in television and are trying to change it. They are trying to show the troubles with violent behavior and other choices than children can make instead of being aggressive. The rating system given by networks are based on ages in order to help parents decide what they want their children to watch ("Children"). Other factors should be considered when thinking about violence in children such as what is going on in school and at home. Many are quick to believe that television is the only source of violence that children are exposed to. Though, children can see violence on the playground at school or even at home with their parents. It is not necessarily television that sparks aggressiveness in children. For example, in a study conducted by William Belson, it was shown that boys who watched small amounts of aggressive television were more violent than those boys who watched a fair amount (Westrup). This shows that violence in television is not the only factor that decides whether a child will be aggressive or not. There are other factors besides television that cause violence in children. Many people believe that television cause violence in children while other believe that there are other factors that can lead to this. This has been an issue that many people, especially parents, have been concerned with. In the recent issue with the Super Bowl Half-Time show, it has been proved that explicit television is often uncontrolled. Television has both positive and negative effects on children between the ages of two and five. Some say that television is the leading cause of violence in children while others say that other factors can lead to aggressive behavior.