4 of 27

Yes

Write now Article Tools

Violent t.v. movies and video games more than likely greatly influence young minds. When many parents are careful not to subject their children to loud music, cigarette smoke, inappropriate age-related broadcasting, toys beyond the child's years etc., why is this? I can only assume it is to not negatively affect the child. So why then does the barrier to these things drop off in the teen and between years? There is no way a child's mentality has matured to innately know that all these negatives from which he/she was protected is now not going to harm them.

Teens and betweens are in another phase of life. Peer pressure, fitting in, popularity are very common and universal issues in a child's life. It is also these years when most kids believe they are invincible. All the horror they may learn of does not happen to them in their minds....it only happens to others.

In today's world, many households have both parents working full time. Children are often left to their own amusement and will often enter the "off-limits" arenas when not supervised. Enabling parental controls can hinder some efforts with regard to t.v. choices. After school supervised activities are more positive reinforcements of constructive behavior.

As a child, many t.v. shows were of cowboys and Indians with someone always getting killed. I have to admit that even today when reading a newspaper about a tragic accident, a murder, a rape, a robbery etc., I do not deeply digest it. I am so accustomed to these things that unless I happen to know the victim, I feel very desensitized by the occurrence. This doesn't mean I don't care, it just means it is very distant in my mind from the reality of it. I attribute this to my younger years of being subjected to crimes before I was mature enough to have a firm and consistent understanding of these things. If I were to take on every occurrence with a gut wrenching reaction, I most likely would have died from a heart attack by now.

Let's face it, many teens and betweens are not properly supervised today. A cavalier attitude often prevails...especially if the parent(s) have some level of trust in their child. But as we all know, friends and peer pressure can often lead a child down a wrong path just to be popular or accepted. If they participate in viewing violent movies or video games, they too, are being desensitized to the violence within. While they are growing and learning, they are constantly subjected to people in "authority". To emulate the bad behavior of an authority figure may seem acceptable to some children. They may be very confused by such contradictions.

Everyone's circumstances vary so greatly; therefor, it would be impossible to monitor every situation in the same way. One of the best ways to positively affect your child is to build a rock solid relationship with him/her. Let them know your expectations and concerns. Monitor the child's activities and explain why if necessary. Blocking certain t.v. shows is necessary for all children age groups. While technology is forever changing, the use of video games, computers, cell phones etc. is vital, but within limitations. If these things aren't monitored, it's like leaving the door unlocked and wide opened for the negative and harmful things in life to snatch your child...one way or another.

The years spent tending to children are limited. They are our prized possessions for a short time, and they deserve every effort we can offer them so that they can be so much better than we are!

Learn more about this author, Nancy Lynam.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Latest campus shootings: Are violent TV, movies and video games to blame??
We want to hear your view. Write now!