Childhood Violence
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Transcript of Childhood Violence
- 1. Childhood Violence: Not Just the Medias Fault
Lydia MacCarthyPSY 492
2. INTRODUCTION:
3. In a study done by the American Psychological Association, it
was estimated that a child has watched 100,000 acts of violence and
8,000 acts of murder by the time he or she leaves elementary school
(Danielewicz, 2005). Not to mention that the average American child
will spend 6 hours and 42 minutes a day viewing various types of
media, and 81% of those children aged 2-7 are using these types of
media unsupervised (Danielewicz, 2005).
Researchers have also indicated that 3-10% of the populationis
pre-disposed to act violently when frustrated (Coyne, 2007).
STATISTICS:
4. Results from a survey that was distributed to parents/guardians
in three different urban locations included questions related to
television viewing/monitoring, showed a variety in practices and
attitudes toward television violence viewing and monitoring among
the parents (Brenner, 2004). These attitudes and practices varied
depending on the childs age and the gender of the parent (Brenner,
2004). Of the 1004 participants, 922 responded, 830 being
parents.
SURVEY:
5. Other influential factors that need to be taken into
consideration when talking about childhood acts of violence
are:
Physical/emotional abuse by parent(s) or guardian(s)
Living in a violent neighborhood or home
Poverty
Inconsistent discipline
(Coyne, 2007)
Keep in mind these are not excuses these are just possible factors
that might contribute to violent behavior.
OTHER INFLUENTIAL FACTORS:
6. Since a majority of us have viewed violent images, played
violent video games, and listened to abrasive lyrics throughout our
lives why is it that we arent out committing violent acts?
Researchers have hypothesized that some people are more prone to
the effects of viewing violent media than others (Coyne,
2007).
INFLUENTIAL FACTORS CONT.:
7. One of the most influential theoretical perspectives on screen
violence is believed to be the social learning theory (Follina,
2006). Bandura did a study looking at the circumstances where
children would replicate aggression following observation (Follina,
2006). The study showed that children who were exposed to aggressor
gaining rewards without being punished were more prone to replicate
these behaviors than those children who were exposed to aggressors
being punished (Follina, 2006). This study turned into what we know
now as observational learning. If we arent told otherwise when were
young, we are more likely to re-enact what we see in T.V., movies,
or video games.
SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY:
8. Why do crime rates seem to rise and fall? Reasons could
include:
Rise and fall of poverty rates
Demographic trends
Access to handguns
Social structure
(Coyne, 2007)
If you look at the recession we are in now, its easy to see how
people who are struggling would resort to measures they normally
wouldnt resort to otherwise.
FACTORS IN RISING CRIME RATES:
9. When blaming the media for one thing, we can blame the news
networks for over exaggerating crime both locally and nationally.
Research has shown that crime saturated local and national news
reports increase viewers perception of both personal and overall
risk regardless of actual danger (Olson, 2004). We see this every
year around flu season. News reports state that its the worst flu
season..every year!
NEWS REPORTS:
10. Weve had so many technological advances when it comes to media
it has become easier than ever for parents to monitor and block
shows and websites based on their content or rating. Also, it has
become mandatory for all television shows, movies, video/computer
games, and music to have a rating system and an explanation of that
rating available to the public. As a parent it is important to
become familiar with these rating systems, so you know what is and
isnt appropriate for your child.
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES:
11. Probably the most influential factor in a childs life are the
parents. They not only have the ability to monitor and stop their
child from viewing various types of violent media, but they have
the power to teach them about the media they are viewing. They not
only need to talk to their children about the consequences of
violent behavior, but also other potential dangers such as drugs,
and STDs, which they will also view in media. Its always important
to start young, you want to tone down the effects of media violence
messages so children understand that even though they do this in
the movies or in video games, in real life there are consequences
for those kinds of actions (Henry Kaiser Foundation, 2000).
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT:
12. When it comes to various forms of violent media, its not going
away any time soon. Hollywood and news ratings are higher when it
comes to the shock and aw effect on the public. There are so many
different types of intervention strategies when it comes to viewing
violent media that its hard to place all the blame for violent
behavior on media itself. Violence, unfortunately, is a part of the
world we live in, and has been for centuries. Until that violence
goes away completely, there will always be violent images to see.
Its important to remember that people were murdering and hurting
each other long before television, movies, and video games were
even introduced.
CONCLUSION:
13. Brenner, R., Cheng, T., Moyer, P., Sachs, H., Wright, J.
(2004). Childrens Violent Television Viewing: Are Parents
Monitoring? Pediatrics, Vol. 114 No. 1.
Coyne, S. (2007). Does Media Violence Cause Violent Crime?
Danielewicz, J., Jason, L., Mesina, A. (2005). Reducing Media
Viewing: Implications for Behaviorists.
Follina, F., Steward, J. (2006). Informing Policies in Forensic
Settings: A Review of Research Investigating the Effects of
Exposure to Media Violence on Challenging /Offending Behavior. The
British Journal of Forensic Practice: Criminal Justice Periodicals,
pg. 31.
Kaiser, Henry J. Foundation (2000). Talk with Your Kids Before
Someone Else Does: Talking with Kids about Tough Issues.
Olson, C. (2004). Media Violence Research and Youth Violence Data:
Why Do They Conflict?
REFERENCE: