Media Has a Negative Influence on Children

The media is a part of everyday life in American kids. Children are surrounded by technology, entertainment, and other media that is full of violence. Newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and the internet all contain violence. Today's media has a negative influence on children. The media does have an influence on them, but does it really influence them to act out even though they know it's wrong? Mass media, and its components, are very powerful and can influence one's mind, as well as their behavior. Children that imitate characters who use violence in the media and display aggressive behavior, tend to give them reason to believe that violence can happen without consequence. For children who grow up with poor adult examples or an unclear idea of what's right and wrong, media violence can have a greater effect.

Music is a big part of a teenager's life. Children learn from what they see and hear. Parents are worried about his, but as they get older they pay less attention to what their children listen to. Artists influence teens to dress or act a certain way. Teenagers try to act like their idols. Music can be very powerful. Teenagers that have tried to commit suicide or committed crimes have blamed it on the song's lyrics. Many artists have committed crimes and yet they are seen as heroes to many children. Today's society is used to hearing music where 50 percent of the lyrics are what are considered bad words.

Television is also big for many children. The average child watches at least three to five hours of tv a day. Many shows that children watch are violent and can affect a child's behavior. It can increase the child's tendencies towards aggressive behavior. Many movies portray actors as violent and aggressive characters that can cause children to see their favorite actors differently and try to act like they do. If they see someone they look up to promoting violence either on TV or in movies, they may think that violence is the right or cool thing to do. Television can be very powerful in influencing children, but it is not the only means that can affect children.

Video games are also another form of entertainment that can promote violence. Many children spent most of their time in