Media violence and 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

1. Plan your family viewing. Give children a choice of what to watch -- within certain guidelines.
2. 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.
3. Offer children other options. Play games, read books, or give children other opportunities to be active and creative.
4. 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.
5. Discuss commercials with your children. Point out when advertisers make false or exaggerated claims.
6. Support regulation of children's television. Encourage legislators to support legislation that promotes educational, nonviolent TV programming.
7. 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.