Short term and long term effects of violence in the media

Repeated viewing and use of violent media increase the risks that children

and young people will, in both the short and long term:

choose to use violence to solve conflict
be desensitized to violence in real lifeand be less likely to help victims of violence
become anxious and fearful about the world they live in

The way that violent media affect children will depend on a number of factors:

the age of the child
the sex of the child
the individual sensitivities of the child
whether the child is well supported by a parent who talks to the child about what he sees
whether the child lives in a home where violent behaviour is condoned
whether the child spends time fantasising about what he's seen (including playing with toys related to a violent program)
the amount of time that the child spends with programs with themes of violence
the types of violence seen in the program. For example, whether the violence is "glamorised" - features attractive violent heroes who are rewarded for violence which has few real-life consequences.

Impact

are likely to imitate the violence seen in programs in their play. They don't easily understand the difference between fantasy and reality, and may not realise that imitation is dangerous. Children have been known to be able to reproduce violent acts seen on TV some months earlier.
are likely to be very scared by "scary" images, for example scary faces, sinister music and sounds, and "transformations" (remember the Incredible Hulk?). Young children will not be able to tell themselves that the scary thing will go away soon (as older children can). The impact of scary images may result in fear of being alone, may result in nightmares, or in long term fears.
may develop a "script" for ways of solving conflict that may not emerge until later in life.

are likely to be disturbed by short term exposure to violence in the news, especially when the violence looks like it could have happened in his neighbourhood. This is because older children are likely to relate to and identify with familiar settings and fear that those things could happen to them. For example, a young girl may fear being kidnapped because she has seen a report where a young girl suffered that fate. Explaining that it isn't likely to happen , is not of much use to a child who is not of an age to understand probability.
will be influenced by long term exposure to films and movies which feature real heroes. If these heroes consistently use violence to win, if it's rewarded, if it has few real life consequences and is also in a humorous context, this is likely to increase the risk. With long term exposure, children are more likely to choose to use violence to solve conflict than if not so exposed.
may become desensitised to (or more callous about) the use of violence by others. This effect tends to result from long term exposure to violence which is realistic, (much blood and gore) and which is in a humorous context.

help them select programs and games that are classified below "M" (see related topic Classifications-cinema films, home videos and DVDs)
help them select programs and games which do not feature (or provide the opportunity to be) the hero who does "glamorised" violence
encourage supporting and caring behaviour, and discourage aggressive behaviour
help them to be critical viewers, and talk to them about your reasons for avoiding certain programs
discuss and explain the meaning of televised events
modify your own viewing (viewing violent programs with your children without comment looks like approval).

Children and the Media: Let's Talk
Young Media Australia Helpline
1800 700 357