Tv Violence and Its Effect on Children

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T e l e v i s i o n V i o l e n c e a n d Its Effect o n C h i l d r e n Merrilyn O. Johnson, MSN, RN Television (TV) has become a large part of children's activities. Much discussion exists as to the level of violence on TV programs and its effect on children's behavior. This article reviews the literature, discusses social issues, and presents some interventions available to nursing professionals to assist children and families in coping with the impact of TV on children's lives. Copyright 9 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company For some children under some conditions some television is harmful. For other children u n d e r other conditions it may be beneficial. For most children under most conditions most T V is probably neither particularly harmful nor particularly beneficial. Schramm, Lyle, and Parker (1961) ago, the A LTHOUGHasWRITTEN 33 yearswas then. above quote on television (TV) viewing and children is relevant today as it Does watching violence on TV increase or alter the antisocial or aggressive activity of children? The possibility that widespread watching of violent TV programs by children and youth is increasing the level of violence in American society continues to be the most controversial and emotionally arousing issue related to the TV medium. This is because the concentration of violence portrayed on TV has the potential of generating aggressive behavior, both immediately and in the long term (Joy, Kimball, & Zabrack, 1986, cited in Williams, 1986).Aggression in this instance refers to physical aggression with the potential to injure as well as verbal abuse, including threats. TV may affect its viewers in two possible ways: by displacing other activities and through its content (Williams, 1986). American TV contains the most violence of TV in any Western country (Dietz & Strasburger, 1991). Violent From the Nursing PhD Collaborative Program,

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