Violence in television programs and movies and its impact on children and families is not a new topic. Thirty years ago, Jesse Steinfeld, then Surgeon General of the United States, warned Americans about the negative effects of television violence on the emotions and behaviors of children, "It is clear to me that the causal relationship between [exposure to] televised violence and antisocial behavior is sufficient to warrant appropriate and immediate remedial act ion... there comes a time when the data are sufficient to justify action. That time has come" (Surgeon General's Scientific Advisory Committee, 1972).
Additionally, six major medical groups warn of harmful effects of media violence on children (Congressional Public Health Summit, 2000). Studies show there is a stronger relationship between viewing violence in television programs and movies and aggressive behavior, than there is between asbestos and cancer, and calcium intake and bone mass (Bushman, 2001).
Over 1,000 research studies in the past 50 years reveal there is a relationship between viewing violence in television programs and movies and aggressive behavior in children, youth, and adults. However, young children are most vulnerable to the effects of media violence because they:
Are more easily impressionable,
Have a harder time distinguishing between fantasy and reality,
Cannot easily discern motives for violence, and
Research has shown three major effects of viewing violence on television:
Learn by observing and imitating. (Bushman, 2001)
Children may be more fearful of the world around them.
Children may become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others.
Children may be more likely to behave in aggressive or harmful ways toward others (American Psychological Association, 1985).
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