Children and Television Violence

Television can be a major influence on children's behavior. Many children watch television that contains violent scenes and subjects. These children could watch many hours of television in just one day. Watching large amounts of television is not the best choice for a growing child especially when many shows contain adult content. With that being stated, television influences violent behavior in children. According to a source that wishes to remain anonymous, there are children TV shows that violence such as Power Rangers, Ninja Turtles, Batman and Robin, Superman, G.I. Joe, and The Lion King. Parents should guide their children and help them make good decisions.

There are several options parents could choose from to decrease violence in their children. First, a parent could set limits on time spent watching television. In addition to that, the parent could remove the TV from his or her child's room. Another option would be for parents to talk to other parents in the community. This would make other parents aware of the problem and could possibly reduce peer pressure. A different choice would be for the parents to talk to their children. They should disapprove of the violent shows and stress the importance of proper behavior. Even though all of these solutions are possible, it would not directly change a child's behavior. Parents should enforce their children to develop hobbies and become part of activities to decrease time spent watching television.

However, children are violent because of their surroundings. It is not solely the fault of the violence on television. Violent behavior in children can be the result of violent behavior in the household. Children could possibly imitate violent behavior they witness from their parents and other family members. If violent behavior is common in a household, then a child may believe that this behavior is completely normal. For example, if a husband hits his wife and treats her badly, then a young boy or girl may become used to that type of behavior and could even display similar traits. The young boy may go to school and try to harm girls like his father may have harmed his mother.
Nevertheless, if a child develops hobbies and becomes active, then time spent watching television might get cut down tremendously. As well as preventing violence caused by television, a child's involvement in extracurricular activities will have positive effects on a child's growth. It seems as if this solution would have more beneficial effects on a child's life. If the child gets involved with sports, it will promote a healthy lifestyle and possibly good nutrition. A child will be out playing basketball or volleyball in stead of sitting in front of a television set. A parent could get his or her child involved in playing an instrument. Also, playing an instrument takes time, patience, and devotion. If they are interested in music, then they will push themselves to practice and music will more important than TV. They would go to concerts and get introduced to the world of music. A child could also get involved with dance. Dance also helps the child stay active and healthy. Dancing builds strength and discipline. Another hobby could be reading and writing which develops creativity and open-mindedness in children. With all of these hobbies, a child might become serious and continue professionally. These are great alternatives for children.

Although hobbies are a great alternative, television will still be present in a child's life. For example, the media is present in many aspects of our society and it would be difficult for a child to be completely banned from television. If a child goes to visit family members such as his or her grandparents, then television might be present at their house. Children will also be reminded of television at school and they might be presented with peer pressure to watch the newest shows on television. Students will still talk about it during class or in the hallways. If a child is involved in sports, then it could be possible that he or she could start watching ESPN to stay up on current sports affairs. For the children who are involved with dancing or an instrument, they may get tired of practicing and may want to relax and watch a show. Hobbies cannot take up a child's life. Television is too popular for it to be completely taken out of a child's life. A child might grow resentment toward a parent because they cannot watch TV like all of his or her friends. Too many extracurricular activities could stress a child out. A child needs balance.

On the other hand, practicing music and dance will promote good habits and make a child disciplined. With discipline, a child should be able to listen to directions and make good decisions. In addition, a child involved in sports may become tired by the end of the evening and would want to go to sleep. Sports are tiring and require energy and time. Also, reading and writing can be more interesting than watching television when one can create one's own imaginative world.

Likewise, another way parents can cut down on children's TV time is to talk to other parents. This will stop peer pressure because other parents will enforce good behavior on their children and as a result there will be a smaller chance that one child could influence another to watch violent shows. Parents have the ability to raise healthy, confident, secure children who know how to resolve conflicts peacefully and make smart decisions to protect them. (Talking With Kids About Violence) If a parent can stop his or her child from being engaged in television violence, then he or she will not bring that type of behavior to school. Children will not influence other children. Parents should make a strong effort to inform the parents of their children's peers.

Although parents have the power to stop their children from imitating bad behavior, they may not feel they need to do so. Some parents may not be willing to take advice from other parents on how to raise their own child because they might feel that they are the only ones can properly raise their children. This could offend another parent and cause conflict between them. A parent could feel that they already know what is best for their child.

In conclusion, a child that has a hobby that they are interested in may not be so interested in watching television. There are many hobbies a child could take up. Television does not have to be completely banned from a child's life but it needs to be monitored. There is a large amount of violence present on television and it is best for a child to be active, this will pay of in the future because it also will make them well rounded and ready for high school and college.