Media Violence & Children

Media access and use is pervasive in our society. Even young children are heavily exposed to various media, including television, videos, movies, comic books, music lyrics, and computer games. Because of their color, excitement, and graphic images, media can have a strong influence on children. On the one hand, such media offer powerful tools for learning and entertainment; on the other hand, violence in the media can be damaging to young children.

Children’s exposure to media:

• 83% of children under 6 years old use some form of screen media
• On average they spend 2 hours with a television and DVD player, 1 hour with video games, and 50 minutes with a computer
• They watch 4,000 hours of TV before they enter kindergarten
• Exposed to 20 to 25 acts of violence per hour on Saturday morning TV programs intended for children

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation: The Media Family. May 2006

Extensive research has shown that higher levels of children's exposure to media violence correlate with increased acceptance of aggressive attitudes and increased aggressive behavior. Recent studies associate exposure to violence in the media with violent behaviors.

Parents can limit young children's access to violent media, and teachers can encourage families to take such steps.