Since mankind began, opposing viewpoints on an infinite number of issues have existed. It cannot be denied that the television industry has become a permanent fixture in contemporary society. Opinions on whether television has been valuable or detrimental to society vary widely. The ongoing debate in recent years is whether or not television directly influences tendencies towards violence in children. There are some who believe that the media has gone too far in it’s display of aggression, leading to government application of censoring. However, challengers of this viewpoint believe that a child’s tendencies, whether positive or negative, are innate traits that can be nurtured or overcome through familial and societal interaction. Although resolution on this subject matter is nowhere near, it remains important that individuals evaluate each side of the debate in order to firmly establish their own beliefs. Each individual must be prepared to confront the unavoidable compromises required of this ongoing issue.
Research in recent decades have revealed that watching television is a large part of daily life for many children. Studies have made claim that violence on television leads to children becoming less sensitive to others anguish, more fearful of their surroundings, and more likely to act in aggressive ways (pp. 249). In essence, the children of the current culture have become desensitized to violence and its impact upon the world at large. Even children who do not show any inherent aggressive qualities are less likely to call attention to violent acts or attempt to stop them (pp. 249). Research scientists are not the only group documenting such findings; parent also provide testimony to the impact of television upon their children. It is for this reason that many guardians look to the government for peace of mind. The rationale is that the government is able to shield society’s adolescents against violence through censorship, channel blocking, and tools like the television rating system (pp 259). However, many see this as a violation of the First Amendment, which provides American citizens with freedom of speech (pp. 265).
The argument provided by groups against censorship is that an individual can easily change channels or turn the television off if they find what a child is watching offensive. Certainly, it is rational to believe parents have a responsibility to monitor the content. Many children gladly take in the variety of entertainment that television offers. Is it unreasonable to believe that perhaps children have been adversely effected by TV violence? Arguably, this does not diminish a child’s responsibility to maintain control over themselves, even at a young age.
With children in modern day society facing violence on a daily basis, it is not unreasonable to expect that violence among children has indeed increased over the years. Violence on television is not simply ‘theatrics’, but a recurring theme in real-life news reports. In light of this fact, it is feasible that television may influence behavior of young viewers as much as the physical environment in which they live. However, it is important to note that much of the research available does not take into account race, sex, or geographic location (pp. 269) These environmental and socio-cultural aspects of a child’s environment may modulate the influence of television.
Aggressive behavior in children may seem to be the most common source of violence in our society, but research shows that domestic violence inflicted by middle age white men is the most prominent kind of violent crime (pp.269). Violence occurs in all age groups, races, genders, religions, lifestyles, and so on. It is not the research itself that is misleading, but rather the context in which it is presented.
The degree to which television may influence children is a legitimate concern. Tools such as channel blocking have given guardians the ability to monitor a child’s television viewing habits. New technologies may help regulate the benefits and detriments of television in the coming years. However, it should not be denied that other important factors contribute to the rise in violence among adolescents. An in depth understanding of both sides of the debate, as well as a necessary look at all factors related to violence among children, will provide a greater awareness that can lead to positive change.
American Psychological Association. “Violence on Television - What Do Children Learn? What Can Parents Do?” Goshgarian, Gary. What Matters In America. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 248-251.
Gerbner, George. Television’s Global Marketing Strategy Creates a Damaging and Alienated Window on the World.” Goshgarian, Gary. What Matters In America. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 262-265.
Goodman, Tim. “Hate Violence? Turn It Off!” Goshgarian, Gary. What Matters In America. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 258-260.
Research in recent decades have revealed that watching television is a large part of daily life for many children. Studies have made claim that violence on television leads to children becoming less sensitive to others anguish, more fearful of their surroundings, and more likely to act in aggressive ways (pp. 249). In essence, the children of the current culture have become desensitized to violence and its impact upon the world at large. Even children who do not show any inherent aggressive qualities are less likely to call attention to violent acts or attempt to stop them (pp. 249). Research scientists are not the only group documenting such findings; parent also provide testimony to the impact of television upon their children. It is for this reason that many guardians look to the government for peace of mind. The rationale is that the government is able to shield society’s adolescents against violence through censorship, channel blocking, and tools like the television rating system (pp 259). However, many see this as a violation of the First Amendment, which provides American citizens with freedom of speech (pp. 265).
The argument provided by groups against censorship is that an individual can easily change channels or turn the television off if they find what a child is watching offensive. Certainly, it is rational to believe parents have a responsibility to monitor the content. Many children gladly take in the variety of entertainment that television offers. Is it unreasonable to believe that perhaps children have been adversely effected by TV violence? Arguably, this does not diminish a child’s responsibility to maintain control over themselves, even at a young age.
With children in modern day society facing violence on a daily basis, it is not unreasonable to expect that violence among children has indeed increased over the years. Violence on television is not simply ‘theatrics’, but a recurring theme in real-life news reports. In light of this fact, it is feasible that television may influence behavior of young viewers as much as the physical environment in which they live. However, it is important to note that much of the research available does not take into account race, sex, or geographic location (pp. 269) These environmental and socio-cultural aspects of a child’s environment may modulate the influence of television.
Aggressive behavior in children may seem to be the most common source of violence in our society, but research shows that domestic violence inflicted by middle age white men is the most prominent kind of violent crime (pp.269). Violence occurs in all age groups, races, genders, religions, lifestyles, and so on. It is not the research itself that is misleading, but rather the context in which it is presented.
The degree to which television may influence children is a legitimate concern. Tools such as channel blocking have given guardians the ability to monitor a child’s television viewing habits. New technologies may help regulate the benefits and detriments of television in the coming years. However, it should not be denied that other important factors contribute to the rise in violence among adolescents. An in depth understanding of both sides of the debate, as well as a necessary look at all factors related to violence among children, will provide a greater awareness that can lead to positive change.
American Psychological Association. “Violence on Television - What Do Children Learn? What Can Parents Do?” Goshgarian, Gary. What Matters In America. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 248-251.
Gerbner, George. Television’s Global Marketing Strategy Creates a Damaging and Alienated Window on the World.” Goshgarian, Gary. What Matters In America. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 262-265.
Goodman, Tim. “Hate Violence? Turn It Off!” Goshgarian, Gary. What Matters In America. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 258-260.
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