The Effects Television Violence Has on Children

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The Effects Television Violence Has on Children

Television has both positive and negative effects on children between the ages of two and five. Some research shows that violence in the media can be linked to aggressive behavior in children. Though, some researchers disagree with this statement and believe that there are other factors, besides television, which cause children to become violent. The following essay will reflect both sides of this argument.

Violent television shows lead to violence in children between the ages of two and five. A study conducted by Albert Bandura concludes that violence in the media can lead to aggressive behavior. In this study, the experimental group was shown a cartoon where the characters acted in a violent manner, while the control group was not. When given a large inflatable doll to play with, the experimental group punched the doll, while the control group ignored it. Likewise, another study showed that the murder rate in the United States dramatically increased when the television became more available (Westrup). Violence in prime-time television has considerably increased since 1994. Even though TV shows have a rating system, many are overlooked as being aggressive. Violence is shown to children as being "desirable, necessary and painless" ("Children") which is a danger to children this age. Many can grow up thinking that violence is okay since it was seen on a cartoon. In cartoons, little effort is given to show the effect...

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