THESIS: This analysis will present factual statistical evidence of how television violence is affecting children of all ages identifying some specific problems and facts associated with repeated viewing of media violence.
Children are more likely to behave in aggressive or harmful ways toward others when they are witness to aggressive or harmful behavior in others.
A. They begin to see violence as a normal response to stress.
1. This becomes an acceptable means of resolving conflict.
B. Children who repeatedly observe aggressive problem-solving behavior tend to replay what they have seen in real-life situations.
1. Studies show that there is a direct causal relationship between media violence and aggressive behavior in children
Children may become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others and eventually regard violent behavior as normal.
A. Viewing violence stimulates children to view other people as "enemies".
1. Empathy disappears and children become unconcerned about welfare of other people.
B. Children show less remorse about their own aggressive behavior.
1. This leads to less concern about the aggressive actions of other children.
The repetitive scripts of violent programs narrow the range and originality of a child's verbal expression at a time when the development of language is critically important.
A. 33% of the viewer ship of the WWF is under age 17
1. Effects of steady violence on children.
Viewing media violence limits children's imaginations.
A. Programs that regularly depict violence often sponsor promotions of toys and other games.
1. These toys often encourage children to imitate the actual behaviors seen on TV or in the movies.
B. Heavy screen time limits children's playtime.
1. This in turn leads to imitation of fighting, gun play, and other stereotypically violent actions.
V. CONCLUSION: The American Academy of Pediatrics (2001) recomm...