The Effects of Media Violence on Children.

Author: Richardson, John E. / Ledingham, C. Anne, C.Psych. / Ledingham, Jane E., Ph.D. / National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, Health Canada
Published: Ottawa, 1993
Source: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca [29.04.2004]

Abstract

(canadian text) Does TV teach children to be violent? And if it does, what can parents do to counteract its influence? Since television service was introduced to Canada in 1952, it has become so much a part of our existence that many people cannot imagine a life without it. Virtually every Canadian household has a TV set; many have two or three. We love TV and we watch a lot of it, and yet our pleasure is tainted by a profound unease. What is television doing to us, anyway? Everyone knows people who can't seem to turn off the TV, but there is no agreement on how much TV is "too much." Nor is there any agreement on what is "good TV" and what is "bad" or "dangerous." People who grew up With TV are usually the most ambivalent about it. They feel guilty about enjoying vulgar, exploitative, violent shows when they could be watching something more edifying like Masterpiece Theatre. They recognize the seductive power of the medium. And yet, many parents who feel uneasy about TV also admit they use TV as a babysitter. What kind of upbringing are children getting from their electronic nannies?