Media Influence on Children's Behaviour

Decades of studies have asked whether there is a link between exposure to media violence and violent behavior.  All but a few agreed. 

During a child's early years of development, they are taught to listen, watch and imitate. Watching their favourite cartoon superheroes perform violent acts may send children the message that violence is acceptable.  Studies have shown that children hear violence through music or watch violence in the media often show more aggression than others.  A child will then imitate this behaviour in their 'play.'

Listening to and watching music/videos of popstar idols that exploit drugs abuse, alcohol abuse, sex, suicide influence a child's behaviour also.

Music plays a big part in our life, "teens listen to on average 40 hours of music per week". Many parents believe that violent messages in rap music contribute a great deal" to school violence.

According to the AAP, "Extensive research evidence indicates that media violence can contribute to aggressive behavior, desensitization to violence, nightmares, and fear of being harmed." Watching violent shows is also linked with having less empathy toward others.

 

 The increase in reality TV shows,often depicting inappropriate behaviour, also have an a flow on affect on children's behaviour. One Australian study revealed that "children who watched reality programming were significantly more likely to associate wealth, popularity and beauty as factors that contribute to happiness". Many young people especially teen girls didn''t realise the fact that reality shows are decidedly not reality.