Violence & TV
Dear Doctor,
We read your column every week. We feel we would like to ask your opinion about television and video game violence.
We try to control what our children (all three of them) watch and do. The oldest one is now beginning to object, saying we are wrong. What do you think?
Watchful Parents
Dear Watchful,
Let me answer your question in two ways.
One will be scientific, and the other is from the University of Common Sense.
From a research standpoint there is no solid scientific evidence to support the notion that television violence leads to violent behavior in children or adults.
Some simulated or laboratory studies have suggested a trend, but it is not a strong set of results. I recently attended a report on such studies at the American College of Forensic Psychology.
The speakers, who routinely study the phenomenon, were strong in their opinion that no scientific evidence presently exists establishing the connection between viewing and behavior.
Having said this, let me assert an opinion from the University of Common Sense, a school no one appears to attend these days. It would follow that youngsters who lack fully developed judgment and who may be inclined toward disinhibiting would likely be influenced by the right kind of stimulation at the right moment in time. There are times when social science research cannot provide adequate answers. Remember, a Columbine only took two boys, not a statistically significant number. Usually it is only one. An N of 1 is not alarming on paper, but when angry and holding a gun can be devastating.
Therefore, you make sense. Paying attention to what your child sees on television, the computer, or via a video game makes sense. Don’t worry about what the "experts" say. Use your common sense!
By the way, if your "oldest" is 19, maybe you do need to rethink your position.
Tags: appearance, children, columbine, feelings, follow, following, forensic psychology, laboratory studies, paying attention, psychology, social science research, suggestion, television violence, video game violence, violence tv, violent behavior, watchful parents
Leave a Comment