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| |    Television Violence by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. As parents, you have every reason to be concerned about what your children watch on television. The statistics regarding violence in the media are staggering. Young people in the United States view approximately 10,000 violent acts each year and spend more time watching television when not in school than any other activity except for sleeping. Children and the impact of television violence There are two basic problems with children's exposure to so much violence on television:
From television, children get the impression that violence and aggression are acceptable ways to solve problems. Based on their television exposure, they have no way of understanding the reality of violence. TV programs rarely show the consequence of violence (such as pain that last for days or years or lasting disability). Consider a "violence-free" diet Different children handle aggressive feelings differently. For children who are prone to act in aggressive ways -- boys who are always playing at fighting, for example, or who tend to get into lots of scuffles at school -- it's sensible to put them on a "no violence" diet. That means that you don't allow them to watch any violent TV or videos or movies, and you also try to control what they see at friends' houses. The more young children love "action" shows (that is, violence), the more this sort of limit setting makes sense. Watch television with your child Be ready to discuss any violence that is shown. Since violence permeates today's programming, you can't always predict when violence will be portrayed. Talk to your child about the reality of violence and compare it to the fantasy of what is often portrayed. Limit exposure to violence in the news For children under 7 years, limit exposure to the television news. Television news is disproportionately filled with reports of violence, and children often get a very distorted and scary view of what the world is like. Select appropriate videos Allow your child to select and watch appropriate videos that you have screened for violence. Young children love to have control over what they watch and to make choices, and generally enjoy watching the same thing over and over again. Talk About: Violence
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