Tv Violence — страница 2

  • Просмотров 217
  • Скачиваний 5
  • Размер файла 15
    Кб

level of aggression influences both the type and amount of television programming and that the child’s exposure to violent programs influence the child’s attitudes and beliefs about aggression. Children who are heavy viewers of television violence regularly observe characters being aggressive in order to solve interpersonal problems. To the extent that the children (particularly boys) identify with the aggressive characters, the children may encode in memory the aggressive solutions they observe. The increased levels of aggressiveness contribute to higher level of peer rejection and academic failure. The child who is unpopular, experiencing academic failure, and behaving aggressively is most likely to identify with aggressors, fantasize about aggressive scenes on television,

and believe the violence they view on television is real. Children who believe in the reality of the violence depicted, identify with the aggressive character and fantasize about aggression are more likely to act aggressively after viewing television violence. Furthermore, the violence they see on television may reassure them that their own behavior is appropriate or may teach them new techniques, which they then attempt to use in their interactions with others. Thus, they behave more aggressively, which in turn makes them even less popular and drives them back to television. The cycle continues with aggression, academic failure, social failure, violence viewing, and fantasizing about aggression mutually facilitating each other. Efforts to educate parents as to the positive and

negative impact of television viewing on their children represent an important universal prevention approach to reduction of violence. Parents can protect children from excessive television violence in the following ways. First, by paying attention to the programs their children are watching and watching the programs with the children. Another step is to set limits on the amount of time they spend with the television. Next, point out that although the actor has not actually been hurt or killed, such violence in real life results in pain or death. Also, refuse to let children see shows known to be violent, and change the channel or turn off the television set when something offensive comes on, with an explanation of what is wrong with the program. In addition, disapprove of

violent episodes in front of the children, stressing the belief that such behavior is not the best way to resolve a problem. Finally, to offset peer pressure among friends and classmates, contact other parents and agree to enforce similar rules about the length of time and type of program, the children may watch. Parents should use these measures to prevent harmful effects from television in other areas such as racial or sexual stereotyping. Reducing the amount of violence in our society requires a commitment to social policy changes. Selective prevention and treatment programs, although beneficial, are unlikely to have a major effect on the level of violence in our society unless our society changes its attitude and tolerance of violence. The amount of time children watch

television, regardless of content, should be moderated, because it keeps children from other, more beneficial activities such as reading and playing with friends. If parents should have serious concerns about how their child is reacting to television, they should contact a child and adolescent psychiatrist for help defining a program. Bibliography American Psychological Association. Report of the APA Communication and Youth. Washington D. C. 1993: Heath, L., L. B. Bresolin and R. C. Rinaldi. Effects of Media Violence on Children. Archives of General Psychology 1989: 379-379. Murray, J. P. Children and Television Violence. Kansas Journal of Law Public Policy 1995: 7-14. Watkins, B. Improving Education and Informational Television for Children: When the Marketplace Fails. Yale Law

and Policy Review 1987: 345-381.