| Abstract: |
Objective: To identify important issues in the research on adolescents and media violence
Design: Literature review
Subjects and Setting: N/A
Intervention: N/A
Outcome Measure(s):
- How much media violence is there?
- How valid is the research?
- What effects do violent media images and messages have on adolescents?
- Are all teens equally susceptible to violence in the media?
- Can the effects of media violence be mitigated?
- What is the role of the primary care provider?
Results: Studies have shown that on television, attractive heroes and heroines frequently commit justifiable, sometimes humorous, violence that is a necessary solution to a conflict, shows very little pain or suffering, and has no negative consequences. Fear, desensitization, and increased aggressive thoughts and behaviors are among the effects of televised violence. Violence on television tends to most powerfully affect younger children, poorer children, children who have aggressive tendendencies or aggressive parents, and children who have been affected by real violence in their lives. When examining what televised violence is teaching children, it is important to consider the context of the violence -- how and why it was committed.
Conclusion: The authors suggest that the effects of media violence can be mitigated by parent education and involvement, media education, guidelines for the media industry and with help from the primary care physician. © Center on Media and Child Health |
