Did you know that children, from the ages of 8 to 18, spend more time in front of a computer, television, or video game than any other activity in their lives except for sleeping (Children 2006)? Have you ever thought about the long-term effects that the media may have on a child? Being an older sister to three girls, it is obvious to me that children are affected by what they see. Due to the fact that children are becoming more mature at such a young age, it is necessary to understand how the media may be affecting them.
According to the National Institute on Media and the Family, children are affected at any young age. However, the age that is most vulnerable to the media and its effects is young children. Young children are more easily impressionable, have a harder time distinguishing between what is right and what is wrong, and learn by observing and imitating what they see (Children 2006). If a child grows up being subject to television shows involving crime, murder, sex, drugs and alcohol, seeing those things in the real world will not affect them. They will become familiar with these things and have a better chance of falling victim to them.
Violence in the media is perhaps one of the most detrimental effects that the media has on children. Young children who see media violence have a greater chance of exhibiting violent and aggressive behavior later on in their life than those who have not been subject to violent media (Children 2006). Similarly, violent video games can cause people of all ages to have more aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They are less likely to feel empathetic or helpful to their peers (Children 2006). Another large problem that comes along with watching television shows, movies, and playing video games is that they are all activities shown to be very addictive. Children who are subject to video games and television at a younger age are likely to become addicted while growing up.
So what specific affects do the media have on children? Six important medical groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry warn about various effects of media violence on children. They first warn that children will increase anti-social and aggressive behavior. This could be around family members, peers, or even first time acquaintances. This may also mean that children may view violence as an acceptable way to settle conflicts. Next, children may become less sensitive to violence and those who suffer from violence (Children 2006).
These same medical groups continue to warn that children who are affected by the media may view the world as violent and live with a fear of becoming a victim of violence. Children may also desire to see more violence in entertainment and real life (Children 2006).
Do not think that violence is the only topic that the media affects in young children. The media also plays a very large role in effecting body image, sexual abstinence, and breaking the law. The media affects body image in girls by making them think that girls are only pretty if they are tall, skinny, tan, blonde and have big boobs. For guys, the media shows that it is only acceptable to be muscular, tall, and tan. Sexual abstinence is something that, according to the media, does not exist anymore. Sex before marriage is considered very normal and cool according to the media.
It is also quite important to understand that the caretakers of the children play the biggest role in filtering the effects that media has on children. Caretakers can decide to not introduce video games to children until they reach a certain age. They may also decide to set television parental controls on forms of media such as television. The television and movie ratings are there for a purpose in protecting the purity and innocence of children and their minds. Children who are sheltered from certain harmful television programs and video games are less likely to fall victim to the many effects listed previously.
More and more parents are slacking on their rules and not sticking to the guidelines set such as television and movies ratings. It is also important to realize that even if caretakers set limits, children are more likely to want to watch television programs and movies that they are subject to. If parents watch the shows in front of their children, but do not permit children to watch, curiosity will grow about what they have seen.
As always it is vital for parents and caretakers to realize that children need to be talked to and warned about what they watch on television. Although the main way to avoid these media effects is by limiting the child’s intake of media, it is also important to discuss and inform children about what is truly wrong and truly right in what is shown in the media. Although we do not have control over the media, we are able to control the intake of media on our friends, siblings, and children. We need to help young children have the opportunity to be children for as long as they can without being affected by the “norms” of the media.