Media Violence in Childrens Lives Essay -- essays papers

Media Violence in Childrens Lives During the past decade, America has witnessed an alarming increase in the incidence of violence in the lives of children. On a daily basis, children in America ar victims of violence, as witnesses to crazy acts in their homes or communities, or as victims of abuse, neglect, or personal assault. The causes of violent behavior in society are complex and interrelated. Among the significant contributors are poverty, racism, unemployment, illegal drugs, inadequate or abusive parenting practices, and real-life adult models of violent problem-solving behavior. At the same time that there has been an increase in the number of reported violent acts directed at children, there has been an increase in the gist and severity of violent acts observed by children through the media, including television, movies, computer games, and videotapes, and an increase in the manufacture and distribution of weapon-like toys and other products directly linked to vi olent programming. In response, Governing Board appointed a panel of experts to guide the development of initiatives and resources to assist teachers and parents in confronting the issue of violence in the lives of children. This position statement addresses genius aspect of the proble -- media violence -- and is the depression in a series of projects the Association plans to address this important issue. We have chosen to address the issue of media violence first because, of all the sources and manifestations of violence in childrens lives, it is perhaps the most easily corrected. The media industry ought to serve the creation interest and ought to be subject to government regulation. The responsibility of adults and of public policy to protect children from unnecessary and potentially harmful exposure to violence through the media and to protect children from television content and advertising practices that exploit their special picture (Huston, Watkins, & Kunkel, 1989). Television and other media have the potential to be very effective educational tools for children. Research demonstrates that television viewing is a highly complex, cognitive activity, during which children are actively involved in learning (Anderson & Collins, 1988). Therefore, supports efforts to use media constructively to expand childrens knowledge and promote the development of positiv... ... Vol 1 Summary report. Washington, DC U.S. Government stamp Office.Piaget, J. (1962). Play, dreams, and imitation in children (C. Gattegno & F.M. Hodgson, Trans.). New York Norton. (Original work published 1951)Piaget, J. (1963). The origins of intelligence in children. (M. Cook, Trans.). New York Norton. (Original work published 1936)Rule, B., & Ferguson, T. (1986). The effects of media violence on attitudes, emotions and cognition. Journal of companionable Issues, 42, 29-50Simon, P. (1989, August 21)). Coming soon An act that should reduce television violence. Newsday.Singer, D., & Si nger, J. (1984). TV violence Whats all the fuss about? Television & Children, 7(2), 30-41.Singer, J.L., & Singer, D.G. (1986). Family experiences and television viewing as predictors of childrens imagination, restlessness, and aggression. Journal of Social Issues, 42, 107-124.Singer, J., Singer, D., & Rapaczynski, W. (1984). Journal of Communication, 34(2), 73-89.Tuscherer, P. (1988). TV interactive toys The new high tech threat to children. Bend, OR Pinnaroo Publishing.Van Dyck, N.B. (1983). Families and television. Television & Children, 6(3), 3-11.