Media Violence:
Confronting the Issues and Taking Action
Author:
Gloria DeGaetano
"We believe
that it is reasonable to conclude that a constant diet of violent
behavior on television has an adverse effect on human character and
attitudes. Violence on television encourages violent forms of behavior,
and fosters moral and social values about violence in daily life which
are unacceptable in a civilized society...It is a matter of grave
concern that at a time when the values and the influence of traditional
institutions such as family, church, and school are in question, television
is emphasizing violent, antisocial styles of life."
Are these some
of the conclusions of the 1998 National Television Violence Study?
No, these are some of the conclusions from the National Commission
on the Causes and Prevention of Violence led by Milton Eisenhower
in 1969. Yes, that's right, 1969. Let's continue this stroll down
memory lane for a minute...
1976--The House
Delegates of the American Medical Association passes a resolution,
after deliberating on the evidence, that TV violence contributes to
real-life violence. They issue the following statement: "Resolved
that the AMA: 1. Declares its recognition of the fact that TV violence
is a risk factor threatening the health and welfare of young Americans,
indeed our future society. 2. Commits itself to remedial action in
concert with industry, government, and other interested parties. 3.
Encourages all physicians, their families, and their patients to actively
oppose TV programs containing violence, as well as products and/or
services sponsoring such programs."
1982--The National
Institute of Mental Health reviews 2,500 worldwide studies on the
effects of media violence and concludes: the evidence is overwhelming
that TV violence contributes to real violence.
1992--The American
Psychological Association issues the report, Big World, Small Screen.
The nine distinguished contributors state that TV violence is "strongly
correlated with aggressive behavior...the research question has moved
from asking whether or not there is an effect to seeking explanations
for the effect."
1994--The Center
for Media and Public Affairs conducts a study of television violence
and finds that from 1992 to 1994, depictions of serious violence on
the television increased 67%, violence in promos almost doubled, and
violence in network and local news programs increased 244%.
Now in 1998:
After three
years of the most extensive research of television content in history,
The National Television Violence Study (see ordering information below)
has found the same old story. Some if the study's conclusions were:
- Nearly 40%
of the violent incidents on television are initiated by characters
who possess qualities that make them attractive role models.
- More than
half of the violent incidents feature physical aggression that would
be lethal or incapacitating if it were to occur in real life. In
spite of very serious physical aggression, much of this violence
is undermined by humor. At least 40% of the violent scenes on television
include humor.
- The average
American preschooler who watches mostly cartoons is exposed to over
500 high-risk portrayals of violence each year.
Also, in 1998:
The UNESCO International
Clearinghouse on Children and Violence on the Screen, issued Children
and Media Violence, a compilation of worldwide studies and information.
(See below for ordering information). Articles discuss findings on
children and televised violence resulting from research undertaken
in different parts of the world. The documentary section presents
statistics on children and the media, international declarations and
resolutions, information about non-governmental organizations, and
a selected bibliography. The bottom line: at least 25 countries are
concerned about the new global aggressive culture emerging from exposure
to screen violence.
Have we gotten
the message, yet? This long story would be boring and absurd, if we
weren't dealing with the effects of media violence in our homes, classroom,
and communities every day. Children who are mean, fearful, desensitized.
Teens who think it is cool to pack a weapon. Teens who use weapons
without remorse. Mass killings at schools. The writing is on the wall---continue
to escalate media violence (which is being done), expect youth violence
to escalate which, unfortunately, is happening.
If we know that
there is an indelible link between media violence and becoming more
violent, then we, as responsible adults, must confront this sad issue
and take action. Action in whatever way seems most appropriate. But
ACTION, nevertheless.
What can the
average, busy parent or teacher do about media violence?
- Have a zero
tolerance policy for incoming screen violence in the home or classroom.
If you wouldn't allow the real thing in real life, don't allow a
2-D version of it on the screen in your charge. That means no Power
Rangers with its 200 acts of violence per hour for toddlers. That
means no R-rated movies on rainy recesses for 6th graders.
- Know your
children. The age and stage of development matters in the interpreting
of visually violent images. If younger than 8, youngsters should
not see any sensational, gratuitous violence--ever. As children
become verbally able to express ideas and analyze information (around
the age of 9), they can learn to understand, discuss, and appreciate
sensitive portrayals of media violence which can teach empathy and
respect for life. The shooting of the dog in the movie, "Sounder"
is an example of such violence. The movie, Fresh, although rated
R for three very graphically violent scenes, is an example of realistic
violence with a message. Teens would do well to watch this film
with a caring adult who discusses with them the nature of the horrific
aftermath of violent actions.
- Know that
violence will always sell. Like sex. The human brain's instinctual
emotional response system is quick to look at blood and gore. So
what? Demystify death and suffering. Take kids to a slaughterhouse,
a morgue, or a funeral. Now what is the big deal about imitating
an action that will result in harm or death?
- Slow it down.
By providing more slow-moving programs and videos for children,
we are reducing their exposure to violent content because quick
pacing usually means more violent content. A movie or a TV program
slow enough to be thought-provoking, will probably be non-violent.
- Refuse to
buy or condone violent video games. Since 94% of the video games
on the market are violent ones, this can be difficult to do. But
terribly important in the scheme because violent video games instill
and drive the need for violent entertainment. So: DO NOT BUY VIOLENT
VIDEO GAMES for children. In fact, if you can hold off getting a
video game system until after the age of 11 or 12, chances are the
child will not become mesmerized by video games and will not become
interested in violent ones. Giving the cerebral cortex time to develop
will more likely result in the happy fact that your young teen,
having grown to this point without video games, will actually choose
mental challenges and complexity, and will feel much more satisfaction
and pleasure in those 6% of video games out there. Stop buying violent
games and we can increase that number!
- Join with
others. Join an organization working to counter media violence with
media literacy; discuss the problems with media violence at church
or a PTA meeting; pass the research information on to a relative
who needs it. Let's collaborate and help each other to protect and
educate our children.
The cumulative effects
of everyone taking an action could be very powerful. Imagine a TV and
video industry genuinely concerned about children's development, producing
quality entertainment, with 100% of children's programming free of gratuitous
violence... Imagine teachers who step up and explain to parents what
the research on media violence has found and how that effects their
children and their family choices for entertainment ... Imagine parents
who discusses confusing, scary, and violent images with their children
on a regular basis...Imagine living in a society where screen sensationalism
is considered manipulative...where the audience is smarter than the
media producers and shows it.
Pick an action.
Take action. It's the only way what we imagine can become our reality.
Copyright Gloria
DeGaetano, 1998. All rights reserved
To Order:
The National
Television Study, Vol. 3, Executive Summary, $10.00
Institute for Social, Behavioral and Economic Research
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
Phone: (805)
893-7879
Fax: (805) 893-7390
E-mail: ccsp@omni.ucsb.edu
Website: http://research.ucsb.edu/cori/ccsp.html
Children and
Media Violence, Yearbook from the UNESCO International
Clearinghouse on Children and Violence on the Screen
Nordicom
Goteborg University
Box 713
SE 405 30 Goteborg
Tel. +46 31 773 10 00
Fax +46 31 773 46 55
e-mail: nordicom@jmg.gu.se
Gloria DeGaetano
is a national educational consultant on issues related to TV and children.
Visit her website: http://www.GrowSmartBrains.com
For reprint permissions, call: 425-883-1544.