Television and Aggression in Children

Full Answer Section

Decades of research, including numerous longitudinal and meta-analytic studies, have consistently shown a link between exposure to media violence and various negative effects on children and adolescents. While no reputable researcher claims that media violence is the sole cause of violent behavior, it is considered a causal risk factor that can contribute to aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Here are key findings:

• Increased Aggression:
  • Short-term effects: Even brief exposure to violent media can lead to an immediate increase in aggressive thoughts, feelings, and actions (both verbal and physical) in children and teenagers.

Sample Answer

What Does the Research Say About the Effects of Violent Media on Children?

Decades of research, including longitudinal studies, experimental studies, and meta-analyses, consistently point to a correlation and often a causal link between exposure to violent media and negative outcomes in children. The effects can be short-term (immediate) and long-term (accumulating over time).

Key findings include:

• Increased Aggression and Violent Behavior: This is the most consistent finding. Children, particularly younger ones, may imitate what they see. Prolonged exposure can lead to aggressive thoughts, feelings, and actions (both verbal and physical). Some studies have even found that children who watched a lot of TV violence at age 8 were more likely to