Negative Effects of Media Violence on Children

Americans have felt a growing uneasiness from the growing problem of youth violence

with teens from the ages of twelve to eighteen. It is a controversial subject that is an

increasingly rising with families and the in the government. Some people believe that the

reason behind this national problem is because families are no longer a united unit and are not

home to take responsibility of watching their children. There are others who believe that it is

the influence of the media and technology. The issue this paper will examine whether youth

violence has risen from unattached parenting or because the lack of censorship and influence of

the media. Through the presentation of documented support, it will be shown the rising rate of

youth violence is the result of the lack of censorship of the media.

According to psychologist Craig Anderson, research shows that violent video games,

films, television, and music in the media increase the probability of violent and aggressive

behavior in long-term and immediate situations within youth (81). In the start of this decade it

was estimated that 46 percent of all homes with children have accesses to at least one

television set, gaming console, a personal computer or both (“Violence and the Media” 267).

However, this percentage has changed and is growing everyday with the advancement in

technology and because it’s easily accessible. The Federal Trade Commission reports that

companies’ media and marketing plans advertise their products targeting media outlets most

likely to reach children under 17. Using outlets such as commercials during the most popular

programs such as South Park, websites such as Mtv.com, and teen hangouts such as pizza

parlors or ...

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