I am reading a book right now entitled “Critical Readings: Violence and the Media” edited by Weaver and Carter (2006) and my belief about the effects of media - especially TV on children - have been all the more confirmed.
In one chapter, it talked about one study that was conducted involving 96 children (48 males, 48 females), just under 3- 5 years old. The purpose of the research was to determine the effects of viewing acts of aggression on children. The children were exposed to various types of violent behavior (physical and oral). The first group were shown a physically present person who was verbally and physically violent towards an inflated doll. The second group watched a 10-minute color- film on television demonstrating the same behavior. The third one viewed a cartoon show (complete with cartoon music) , in which a cat exhibited the same aggressive, violent behavior. The fourth group was not subjected to any of these and acted as the control group.
After the exposure, the children were then deliberately subjected to stress, by the removal of their toys and were then observed for any aggressive behavior.
It was discovered that “Exposure of humans on film portraying aggression was the most influential in eliciting and shaping behavior.” ( Weaver et al, 2006 p. 28)
What a very significant finding! Volumes and volumes of researches and studies have been conducted for years and years, and even recent findings , proved more so - that indeed- programs on TV portraying violent human behavior have a vital influence on children.
When will the bigwigs in the TV industry listen to this plea? A massive campaign should be launched to make people aware of this fact - especially those in the entertainment industry.
The quotation: “ Evil proliferates because good men do nothing,” can be applied in this case.. The repercussions may not be seen visibly in this generation but will definitely surface in the generations to come.
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This is a plea for your support. Help me in my campaign! Do sign the guest book!
