Child Children
Child Children
Does television violence on children?
Hollywood does not want to admit it, but numerous studies have shown that children become more aggressive, and sometimes angry, violent when they are exposed to violence on television and the results are seen almost immediately. Children's minds are very impressionable and they learn to model the behavior of those around them. Think of a baby learning to talk. The baby learns to talk by copying the first sounds, words and phrases, and finally phrases. Kids learn everything from seeing the world around them and that includes what they see on television.
If you're watching TV shows where violence is shown as the answer to every problem, are more likely to react with anger, aggression and violence to real life circumstances. This is a very unhealthy pattern to start as a child. Children need to be shown the correct way to deal with anger, both in real life and on television. Many older TV shows fashion did an excellent job of it. The main character, almost always facing some kind of crisis, makes the wrong choice and has to learn a lesson from it. Often the end of each program found that parents talk with the child about how he could have handled the problem differently.
Does that we must not let our children watch any programs with violence? It's something to consider, no doubt, but depending on their content and message, see some of these programs together may provide the opportunity to discuss treatment with anger more constructively. Having the opportunity to assess why the characters behaved the way they did and what the result might have been if they had better options can help your child cope with feelings of anger more effectively.
Television violence undoubtedly affects children, but perhaps not as much as our own behavior. Even more important than what our children are watching on TV is what we are seeing in our own homes. It is important to model good behavior, besides being able to admit when you're wrong and apologize. Never expect a child to do something do not they teach through their actions. The actions not only speak louder than words, they teach much more effectively too. Let the rule good performance in real life and on television are significantly enhance the child's ability to handle properly.
Studies have definitely taught us that television violence affects our children. How much is too much? Certainly, kids should never watch violent programs that are intended for adults. Most adults, time would be better not see them clearly, but violence is very real and can not cause aggressive behavior only and violent, but depression and anxiety as well. Even children of programs that focus on violence as the Power Rangers should be monitored and considered with caution. If your child acts out after seeing these programs is a good sign that you should not see them. Common sense should be the guide, but take time to be aware of the connection between television violence and anger problems and use of opportunities to communicate with your child can make all the difference.
About the Author
Ray Subs is a public relations consultant working to promote the Help Your Child with Anger Blog. For more information about dealing with anger management in children
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