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Media Violence:Impact on Children and Families

Debbie Richardson, M.S. Child Development Assistant Specialist

March 5, 2005OK Assoc. of Family & Consumer Sciences Conference

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Media “Virtual” Violence

Television – all types of programs including news, “reality” shows, music videos, commercials, sports, etc.MoviesVideo and Computer GamesInternetOther types include: music, toys, comic books

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An Average American Child

Spends:28 hours a week with TV30 hours a week in a classroom 39 minutes a week talking one–on–one with a parent

By high school graduation: Spends18,000 hours in front of a TV set, and only 13,000 hours in a classroomObserves 200,000 violent acts and 16,000 murders

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Research

Over 4,000 studies have examined the correlation of television violence and violent behavior in children.

These studies make a compelling case for a significant impact.

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How is Media Violence Portrayed?

Clean – lack of blood, minimal suffering, invincible cartoon characters.

Frequently rewarded or unpunished.

Clear boundaries between good guy/bad guy.

Aggressors are portrayed as attractive.

Conveys violence is justified.

Humor may be used.

Pleasurable – “Make My Day”.

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Children’s TV Programming

Violence is more prevalent and concentrated in programs targeted to viewers under age 13

79% of children’s programs contain humorous violence.

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The Influence of Media on Children

Dramatically influences children at all ages.

Children are physically passive, yet mentally alert when watching TV.

Repetition – the violence becomes so familiar that it becomes normal.

Reduced boundaries between adult and child knowledge.

Both quantity and quality matter.

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Young children under age 8…Often believe in magical and supernatural creatures and powers.

Can be swayed by how things appear rather than how things really are.

Generally judge characters or actions as “real” simply due to observing through TV’s “magic window”.

Readily imitate violent cartoon characters.

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Young children who view too much media violence…..

Begin to see violence as an acceptable way of resolving conflict, using physical or verbal abuse toward other children.

May become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others.

May see others as “enemies”, rather than like themselves.

Natural anxieties may be magnified.

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Young children who view too much media violence…..

May have more difficulty getting along with others, responding with kindness, and developing playmates.

Hear limited language and communication skills to talk about problems and how to solve.

Limits their imaginations – encourages imitation play rather than creative play.

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Four Long–Term Effects of Viewing Violence

Most people do not become violent when they Most people do not become violent when they watch violence. But they may be affected in watch violence. But they may be affected in these ways.these ways.

Aggressor Effect Victim Effect Bystander Effect Appetite Effect

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A 17 year study of 700 children found that at age 14….

Daily TV Viewing

less than 1 hour

1 – 3 hours

more than 3 hours

Involved in Aggressive acts by ages 16 – 22

5.7%

22.5%

28.8%

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Heavy Viewers of TV

Kids watching 4 or more hours Kids watching 4 or more hours per day…per day…

Put in less effort on school workHave poorer reading skillsPlay less well with friendsHave fewer hobbies and activitiesMore likely to be overweight

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TV RatingsTV-Y All Children: Designed for young audience, including children ages 2-6.

TV-Y7: For age 7 and up. More appropriate for children with skills to distinguish between make-believe and reality. May include mild fantasy or comedic violence, or may frighten children under the age of 7.

TV-Y7-FV Fantasy Violence: May be more intense or combative.

TV-G General Audience: Usually appropriate for all ages. Contains little or no violence, no strong language, and little or no sexual dialogue or situations.

TV-PG Parental Guidance Suggested: May be unsuitable for younger children. Contains moderate violence (V), some sexual situations (S), infrequent coarse language (L), and/or suggestive dialogue (D).

TV-14 Parents Strongly Cautioned: Recommended children under 14 not watch unattended. Contains intense violence (V), intense sexual situations (S), strong coarse language (L), and/or intensely suggestive dialogue (D).

TV-MA Mature Audience Only: Designed for adults and may be unsuitable for children under 17. Contains graphic violence (V), explicit sexual activity (S), and/or crude indecent language (L).

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Not All Entertainment Media is Negative

There is strong evidence that children’s shows developed to teach academic

and social skills can help children learn effectively.

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TV Tips to Reduce Violence

Plan family viewing – give children a choice to watchRemove the TV from a child’s bedroomOffer other options – play games, read, be creative and activeBe informed about program ratings and contentWatch with children and talk about the programsPoint out that real violence results in pain or deathChange the channel or turn off the TV when offensive material comes on. Explain why.

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VIDEO GAMES

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Use of Video Games67% of households with children own video game systems.

At least half of U.S. children are now using the Internet for homework, games, and entertainment.

Violent themes compose 60% – 90% of the most popular video games.

90% of 4th graders and 75% of 8th graders report playing 1 or more hours per week either at home or arcades.

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Video GamesGames are increasingly more violent, lifelike, and accurate in depictions of violence.

Playing video games allows practice of violence in ways TV does not.

Some are used for training by military and law enforcement.

Most retailers make little effort to restrict sales of mature–rated games to minors.

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ESRB Ratings

Entertainment Software Rating BoardEC – Early Childhood (ages 3+)E – Everyone (ages 6+)T – Teen (ages 13+)M – Mature (ages 17+)A – Adults onlyRP – Rating Pending

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Video Game Content LabelsA study of 396 mainstream T-rated video game labels in 2001 indicated…

94% had violent content15% contained sexual themes14% used profanity

A random sample of 81 of these games comparing theactual content to the labels indicated…

20% with sexual content including partial nudity had a notation on the label17% with profanity had a notation on the label

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Tips for Electronic GamesKnow the content and procedures of games.Pay attention to ratings.Require parental permission to purchase or rent.Discuss game content with children.Observe children playing & periodically play along.Establish clear playing guidelines & time limits.Assure adult supervision for arcade game playing.Select games that promote problem solving, skill building, and cooperation, rather than violence.

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Media Literacy: Be a Critical Viewer

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Be Media LiterateBe a wise consumer.

Watch programs and play video games with the child, and discuss what is seen.

Monitor and limit access to violent programs and games. Explain why they are harmful.

Select programs and games that promote problem solving, cooperation and learning.

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Be Media Literate

Be cautious of heavily advertised products and toys linked with violent programs.

Contact TV stations/producers to express opinions, when offended and when pleased.

Help educate others in the community.

To offset peer pressure, contact other parents & agree to enforce similar rules.

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Help children understand…

Real life violence hurts people.Real weapons hurt or kill people.If a show is scary or confusing, they can talk to an adult about it.Violent toys, shows, & games may seem exciting in “pretend”, but real–life violence is not fun.

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Debbie Richardson, M.S.Child Development Assistant Specialist

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

405-744-6231debbie.richardson@okstate.edu

www.fcs.okstate.edu