Why Children are Getting More Violent

Have you ever wondered why American teens and children are getting increasingly more violent? The Media (video games, television, and music) plays a key role influencing people. Children learn by observing, and then imitate what they see. Research that has been done strongly indicates that exposure to media violence makes kids more aggressive.

Video games are one way that may increase aggression. Playing violent video games like “Mortal Combat” for instance, can increase violent thoughts. In one study, about 210 college students played either a violent or non-violent video game. A little while later, the students who played the non-violent game used less aggression toward an opponent while playing a sport than the one who played the violent video game. Even if the violent video games are more gratifying, one must think of the consequences, hurt someone and you will reap what you sow. These violent games reflect what some kids are learning nowadays. If society doesn’t stop all the unnecessary violence, the next generation could become even more violent. Video games are probably the most harmful media resource because you are part of the game, so you actually doing the “killing” yourself.

Movies and TV shows are another way that could encourage aggression. Watching violent movies or TV shows could make children less sensitive to violence and its consequences. American children watch a lot of TV every day. In one study, 10,000 hours of television was reviewed: sixty percent of the programs it sampled had brutal scenes. One-third of these ferocious scenes showed villains who were never punished. Seventy percent of these villains showed no feelings or remorse when being violent, and the hero preformed forty percent of the violence. People usually don’t forget what they see, thus violence affects them. Because of violent TV shows, many young children are now acting out violently as a natural instinct. Because television is part of most children’s everyday life, violence should be eliminated.

Songs are another way the media influences kids. Many teens listen to music all the time. Some violent lyrics could make teens more destructive. At Iowa State University a test was given to see if songs made students more violent. The 500 college students either listened to violent or non-violent music. A few psychological tests were given afterwards and the ones who listened to the violent music were more brutal in their social interactions. Even though music is cool, we must think about what we are listening to. If the song are evil and lots of vile things are sung about, people would probably do some of the stuff the songs suggest not even thinking about it. Because many adults listen to music too, adults are also vulnerable.

The tragic shootings at Columbine High School, Virginia Tech, and at the Omaha mall (Dec 7, 2007), is sufficient evidence of what is happening today. Today’s (Dec 9, 2007) headline on CNN’s website “Gunman Killed After Opening Fire at a Church” at Colorado Springs, is yet another example of bloodshed. Perhaps even the proliferate reporting of violence affects us all.

I believe if the media could focus less on or totally eliminate brutality, the problems with aggression would likely decrease. Children wouldn’t act as vicious to peers. Tragic events wouldn’t have a rippling effect on society.