Kids and TV Violence

Violence has become a major health concern in our country, and it is no longer confined to the "high crime" areas. It has spread to our seemingly safe, cozy neighborhoods.

How can we prevent violence? We can start by raising our children to be non-violent. How? Through appropriate modeling, teaching our children to resolve conflicts with words rather than actions, and by reducing the amount of violence they witness.

Children first learn by watching and imitating. When they see their favorite superhero on TV giving a karate kick, they are quick to try it on their friends during playtime. With the average child watching more than three hours of television a day, opportunities for them to be watching and imitating these kinds of violent, negative behaviors abound.

The Surgeon General, after reviewing over 100 studies, determined that children do show more aggressive behavior after being exposed to violence on television. In addition, they become less sensitive to violence, and that violence is perceived as not only normal, but also desirable.

We cannot expect our children to monitor their own TV watching. We, as adults, must do it for them. Parents need to set limits on the amount and the kinds of programs that their children watch. Here are some ideas:

• It is not enough to say "no" to certain programs. Provide alternatives, such as games, reading, art projects, playing outside, or park district classes. Once your children learn that there are other ways to have fun, they won't feel deprived by limited TV.
• Keep the TV out of your child's bedroom.
• Know what programs your children are watching, rather than allowing the TV to be a passive baby-sitter.
• Watch TV with your children. Provide a dialogue and discussion, including asking your children what the people on the show are feeling to promote empathy.
• Present a good role model by limiting your own TV viewing.
• Give your children a TV allowance. They must make decisions on how to spend the hours they are allotted. Misbehavior will result in reduced TV allowance.
• Rule out TV at certain times, such as before breakfast or during homework.
• Encourage your children to watch programs in which the characters are helpful and caring toward each other.
• Carefully monitor cartoons These are often the worst offenders in terms of violence.
• Protect younger children from the violence on the news. If they do become aware, talk to them about what is happening and how the problem might be solved.

By helping your children achieve a non-violent lifestyle, you are helping to make this world a safer place to live.