The Connection Between Television and Violence in Children

Parents have worried about the effect of television on children essentially since the invention of the television. As a result, scientists have conducted many studies to see what effect, if any, different types of shows and movies have on children. The results of many studies overwhelmingly show that exposure to violent visual media (television, video games, and youtube) correlates with an increase in violent acts and/or greater anxiety. As a result of these studies, the American Academy of Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends the following:

• Watch television and play video games with your children. If you see something violent, change the content. If you can not always watch with them, use parental locks and other management systems.

• Avoid getting your child a television in his or her bedroom.

• Do not let your child watch or play content that you know is violent.

• Talk to them about why certain media remains off-limit.

• If your child sees inappropriate violence, have age-appropriate conversations about the content.

• Involve other parents in your social circle to ban violent media.

**article adapted from Life Stance Health and WebMD.