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.