Children
see a lot of violence on TV and on films and videos.
Does this do them any harm?
Check your reactions. Fill in the questionnaire and then read the brochure!
| Yes | No | |
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
Media Violence Hurts Your Children
There’s strong evidence that TV, film and video violence can affect the feelings and behaviours of children. In this pamphlet we'll mainly discuss TV, but much of the information applies to all screen media.
Children who watch violent TV programs can:
The types of violence that affect children depends on their age, but children of all ages are at risk of learning to be aggressive when they see:
Children can become less sensitive to violence when graphic violence is shown constantly and humorously.
Children can become fearful when violence does not seem justified (‘innocent children’ hurt), when it is repeated, realistic looking and unpunished.
Cartoons are often violent. Preschoolers watch cartoons closely and focus on what the characters do, not the 'story'.
Preschoolers are attracted to programs with rapid movements, loud music, special sound effects or other vivid production features.Violent cartoon heroes have a powerful impact on preschoolers.
Parents
can help preschoolers by:
In the early primary school years children develop a greater awareness of the difference between reality and fantasy. By eight years, children are less likely to use aggressive actions if the violence they see is shown as evil, causing suffering or resulyears, children are less likely to use aggressive actions if the violence they see is shown as evil, causing suffering or results in punishment or disapproval. Children five to eight years are more likely to be fearful if they see scary events on TV, especially if the people affected are like themselves or their family in some way.
The strategies outlined in the Preschoolers section can be used effectively for these older children. As a parent, you also can help children between five and 11 by:
If children are frightened about something happening to them or their family, it is important to discuss with them the things they think are needed to keep them safe, such as installing smoke detectors in the house.
For adolescents, watching TV can be a passive, relaxing activity requiring low concentration, and they are most likely to do it when they are tired, bored or lonely. It can be something they do when they want to 'keep up' with their friends. They may say they 'have to' watch something which you think unsuitable because 'everyone else is'.
Even though they have new skills at understanding, they rarely use them when they are watching TV for 'relaxation'. However, they are much more likely than younger children to question the reality of TV content and less likely to identify with TV characters. Adolescents who continue to believe in the reality of TV and to identify with violent heroes are those more likely to behave in aggressive ways.
Parents need to continue to impose some rules about watching TV. If adolescents resist the rules, parents could watch the program with them so that they can see that parents do know what it is about, and also that parents can discuss the program with them. Watching programs together can be good for family cohesion. However if violence and aggression are not discussed and analysed, it can seem that parents are appproving the violence shown. Questioning the TV content has been found to reduce adolescents' fears and aggressiveness.
Children
may be encouraged by some people to watch news or current affairs programs so
that they see "what the world is really like". But these programs
are not balanced. They tend to show disasters, or people being hurt. This can
be frightening to children who have little idea about where these events are
happening. They do not know the outcomes. Will anyone be punished?
Just as adults are frightened and may change their behaviour (such as not going out, turning their houses into fortresses etc), children are also vulnerable to fear and may limit their own activities. If your child watches a news or current affairs program or segment, watch with them so you can explain what's happening and how likely or unlikely it is to happen to them or your family.
Children's viewing can be positive
Parents can help by looking out for such programs or experiences.
You could read some of these:
Your views about violent programs can be made known to the station you're watching, or to the Australian Broadcasting Authority on 1800 226 667.
Written complaints are most effective. Be sure to note the station or network, the date and time, and give a brief explanation of what it was that concerned you. Contact Young Media Australia for advice.
Young Media Australia is a national, non-profit, community-based organisation providing information, advocacy and research on the impact of media on children and young people. Its membership includes major national and State children's interest organisations, local community groups and individuals.
For information on membership and other Young Media Australia services, call 1800 245 959.
|
|
Young Media Australia
|
| A Young Media Australia Project funded by THE MYER FOUNDATION |  |
