Negative Influences Media Has on Children

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MEDIA AND ITS NEGATIVE AFFECTS ON CHILDREN Have you ever overheard your children watching T.V. and wondered, “Did I just hear what I thought I heard?” Most parents have encountered the issue of not knowing what their children watch, or hear. But, then after be shocked and appalled that they had no idea of the graphic nature of certain programs. Television, music, and games can be a powerful entertainment and education tool for children if given the right kind of programming. However, studies have shown that television, and media in general, can also have a very negative influence. Some studies have even indicated that it can shorten ones attention span, distort body image, and work in conjunction with other factors to escalate obesity, create fear, and increase aggressive and anti-social behaviors if exposure is unmonitored and unlimited. The media is a big part of the everyday life of a kid. Children are surrounded by technology, entertainment, and other media that is full of violence. Newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and the internet all contain different types of violence or negative information. I believe that today's media DOES have a negative influence on children but I also wonder, does it really influence them to act out even though they know things they see and hear are wrong and often not real. Mass media, along with its components, such as celebrities, genres of music, or certain websites are very powerful and can influence one's mind as well as their behavior. Children that imitate characters who use violence and display aggressive behavior, tend to believe that violence can happen without consequence. I believe it would have a greater effect on children and adolescents behavior who grow up with poor adult examples or an unclear idea of what's right and wrong. An example of the negative effects of media is one that
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