Children and Television

Abstract

*Violence. Children watch countless acts of violence every day while sitting in front of the television. One recent study estimates that American children see over 1,000 violent acts on television each year. These violent acts include rapes, murders, armed robberies and assaults. It is not only the prime-time programs that contain a lot of violence. News programs and music videos also contain a high percentage of violence. Cartoons, and other children's programs, often contain violence, too. Many of these programs glorify war and fighting. Children may get the message that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems. Studies have shown that children who watch a lot of violence on television are more likely to be aggressive towards other people.