Research on the Impact of Media Violence on Child and Adolescent Aggression

It’s no secret that there has been an increase in violent media across various platforms. According to a study in the Journal of Education Humanities and Social Sciences, TV, video games, and music can influence aggressive actions, but the way it occurs varies based on the media type, a child's age, and other factors.

The study found that younger kids tend to copy what they see, while teenagers might become less sensitive to violence over time. When children see violence on TV or in movies, they might start to believe that using violence is a good way to get what they want. This may increase their likelihood of aggressive behavior by reinforcing the idea that violence is an acceptable problem-solving strategy.

Furthermore, parental involvement and parenting styles can influence these effects. When parents communicate in a supportive and encouraging way, it can help limit children's exposure to violent media.

This study stresses the need for positive parenting and resources that help children develop healthy media habits.

Understanding the Research

This research paper looked at how media violence affects aggression and also considered factors like age, cognitive development, and how parenting can help reduce these effects.

It categorized media violence into the following:

• Television and movies - these include traditional sources of violent content to which many children are exposed.
• Video games - these are highly interactive, and they encourage children to participate by playing as characters that engage in battles and shootings.
• Music - certain genres sometimes include lyrics that describe violent behavior.

Here are some of the key findings from the study:

Short-term versus long-term exposure

As for the immediate effects, teenagers, in particular, may experience a quick increase in aggressive thoughts, feelings, and actions (both verbal and physical). Teenagers are especially attracted to the fast-paced, intense action in violent media, which can lead to increased heart rate and alertness.

When it comes to prolonged exposure, violent media embed aggressive thought patterns and emotional responses, meaning they become less emotionally reactive to it and may even accept it as a norm.

The types of media violence

Younger children mainly see violence in TV shows and cartoons, which are usually the focus of studies on aggression. On the other hand, adolescents are often researched regarding violent video games because they have the cognitive skills to understand and interact with them better.

Parenting styles

Parents who let their kids make their own choices tend to help them stay away from violent media and aggressive behavior. On the other hand, if parents have mixed messages and set strict rules, teens might push back, feel upset, and act more aggressively.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

If you are parenting or caring for a child or teen, here are some tips to support healthy media consumption:

• Keep an open conversation with your kids about what they watch and play. You can ask them how they feel about the shows, movies, or games they experience to get a better sense of their thoughts and feelings. You may also share your own views to help them think critically about the content they’re consuming.
• Set limits on how much time your kids spend in front of screens each day. Sit down together and discuss how much screen time is appropriate for everyone. It would be great to involve everyone in setting the rules so that everyone feels included. Even better, brainstorm a list of alternative activities that the whole family can enjoy! Taking a walk in nature, board games, or cooking together are some of the best ways to unplug.
• Stay in the loop about the apps and shows your kids are using. Check out the app stores and the movies they watch to see if they’re appropriate. Talking to other parents can also give you insights into what’s popular and what to look out for. This way, you can have conversations about using technology safely and responsibly.

The study also recommends that game developers set higher age limits and time restrictions for young players and create games that discourage aggressive behavior.

For more related resources to promote positive behavior among young people, check out our Healthy Habits Posters and Character Education Posters.