Violence on Television

a Northside News article November 5, 2001

In the wake of the terrorist attack on 11th September, 2001, on the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, the ongoing reports on television provided the world with twenty-four hour repetitive coverage graphically depicting vivid images of the tragic event for days afterwards. These were real life images that had been broadcast into millions of homes all over the world, but to a child, the violent images portrayed were strikingly similar to the scenes depicted in epic films such as Armageddon or Independence Day, both of which are considered to be “entertainment” for all the family.

But, the news coverage is not the only violence our children are exposed to. Most children watch some television every day and unfortunately, busy parents are sometimes unable to monitor the programs that they watch. What they do not see is the amount of violence that is portrayed in many of these “childrens” programs.

Television violence desensitises children to violence and their consequences, leading some children to violent and aggressive behaviour and if it is not apparent while they are young, it may surface years later. It has been suggested that this “hardening” of children to aggression makes them more willing to tolerate it in others. Much of the violence on children’s television is embedded in humour; consequently, children see that repeated and aggressive acts going unpunished, the victim is usually shown unharmed, there is not condemnation of violence and there are no alternative ways of resolving conflicts. Children gradually accept violence as a way to solve their problems.

It has also been found that children feel victimised by violence and tend to believe that the world is a more violent place than in reality and aggressive acts are acceptable. Children may develop real fears about their safety in the world.

It is from the age of two to six years when children start to model themselves on peers, and are just as likely to be receptive to antisocial behaviour as they are to pro-social behaviour. Rough and tumble play emerges (especially in boys) and cooperative play and make-believe play increase, which means that children who watch too much violence on television, may imitate the antisocial rather than the pro-social behaviour.

Research has found that “character” toys related to the programs, i.e. the “Pokemon” products, are detrimental to the children’s imaginative play, as they tend to imitate the actions rather that create their own play episodes.

What can we do?

Whilst television violence is not the only cause of aggressive or violent behaviour, it is a significant factor.  Parents can protect children from excessive violence in the following ways:

• Pay attention to what the children are watching and watch with them.

• Set a limit on the amount of time spent in front of the screen and take it out of their bedrooms.

• Let the child know that the character has not been hurt or killed, but is only an actor acting the part.

• Point out that violence results in pain or death.

• If you know that the program contains violence, switch it off or change the channel with an explanation as to why you did so.

• Explain to your child that there are alternative ways to solve a problem without using violence.

• Be prepared to answer any questions they may have about the program they are watching.

These measures can also be used to prevent any harmful effects from television in other areas such as racial or sexual stereotyping. The amount of time spent in front of the screen should be moderated regardless of content. It decreases the time spent on more beneficial activities such as playing with friends, developing hobbies, reading or drawing or running around getting some exercise. Children are active learners and learn through their environment and their social interaction.

Preschoolers and early school age children are unable to differentiate and do not completely understand the difference between fiction and non-fictional storylines and are therefore, unable to evaluate it. Violence in cartoons and other children’s programs are usually shown in a humorous context, where the victims are rarely shown as seriously injured, perpetrators are rarely punished and alternative methods of resolving conflict are less likely to be shown.

Children learn from adults and peers through language and interaction. However, children in the United States and other western societies are being taught conflicting values. While parents are trying to teach children that violence and aggression are unacceptable, violent television programs are teaching them that it is acceptable and a way of life. As Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets stated, “Television is basically teaching whether you want it to or not”.