Media Violence
Introduction
The average American child, between the ages of two and eighteen, spends about six and a half hours on media each day (Council and Communications). This is the most time-consuming activity, after sleeping. When children are on any type of media device, they are often exposed to interpersonal violence for entertainment purposes. Media violence is a recent concern for the developing society. Because of it, violence is gradually becoming more accepted. Whether an action movie portrays a hero, using his "super powers" to defeat the bad guy, or the lyrics of a featured song on MTV mention examples of physical abuse, children and young adults are affected. The effects of media violence rarely turn out to be positive (Council and Communications). Too much media, especially violent media can be physically and mentally damaging.
Concession 1
Many believe that video games are a great way to improve learning abilities.
Concession 2
There are ratings for most types of media, which allows the exposure of violent situations avoidable and ineffective.
Rebuttal
People don't realize how harmful media violence is. Video games shouldn't be used to teach children. Gamers mostly learn violence ("Media Violence"). They are taught how to use deadly weapons and explosive devices. Also, exposure of violence is not avoidable and ineffective. Ratings are rarely accurate. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) state that many types of media made for children are only appropriate for adults ("Media Violence").
The Negative Impacts of Media Violence on Kids
TV, Movie, Video Game Violence & Kids
Physical damage can be a result of too much media. To be specific, too much media violence can be the cause since it keeps many entertained. First, it can result in an increase in child obesity (Haugen 28). Media takes up a great amount of time from sports and other types of exercises (Haugen 28). Unhealthy foods are also consumed frequently during media use (Haugen 29). In addition, media can cause a lack of Vitamin D ("Health Benefits"). Children are not receiving enough sunlight these days. Outdoor activities are often replaced with watching television, playing video games, and using smartphones. Opportunities for a healthy, fit body are often hindered since too much media, violent media, is used.
Too much media violence can put one's mental health at risk. It can lead to desensitization to violence (Allman 24). Recent crimes are the result of this. For example, Adam Lanza murdered twenty-six people at Sandy Hook Elementary School of Connecticut in 2012; twenty of them were in kindergarten (Haugen 14). He was a frequent, desensitized gamer, who eventually could not sympathize for victims of violence. Also, too much media violence can cause an addiction. Video games contain multiple levels, allowing the gamer to feel a sense of accomplishment. In addition, popular violent t.v shows feature dozens of episodes, taking up great amounts of time away from doing productive activities. Mental damage is a great effect of too much media violence.
Conclusion
To conclude, physical and mental damage can be a result of too much media, especially violent media. Unfortunately, media violence is more exposed than ever before. Because of freedom of speech, it will always be protected in America. It is also inevitable that violent graphics are going to be more realistic-looking as technology gets. Children need to be informed about the dangers of media violence. Therefore, it is extra important for parents and other adults to guide children and adolescents how to distinguish safe, educational media from unhealthy.
Works Cited
Allman, Toney. Media Violence. Yankton: Erickson Press, 2007. Print.
Council and Communications and Media. "Media Violence." Pediatrics. American Academy of Pediatrics, 19 Oct. 2009. Web. 19 Feb. 2015.
Haugen, Hayley Mitchell, Video Games. Chicago: Norwood House Press, 2015. Print.
Ranger Rick. "Health Benefits. Be Out There. National Wildlife Federation, ? Web. 7 Feb. 2015
Council and Communications and Media. "Media Violence." Pediatrics. American Academy of Pediatrics, 19 Oct. 2009. Web. 19 Feb. 2015.
Haugen, Hayley Mitchell, Video Games. Chicago: Norwood House Press, 2015. Print.
Ranger Rick. "Health Benefits. Be Out There. National Wildlife Federation, ? Web. 7 Feb. 2015