Mass-media violence and its impact on children

Children inform themselves, from early ages about the surrounding world. The sources they rely on are different and various like: parents, teachers, friends and mass media. A plus in attention must be accorded to information gained from the TV, radio and internet. These mass media are a valuable informational base. At the same time we have to consider the fact that on numerous occasions the news therein may be aggressive, characterized by violence or touching upon delicate issues.

Materials that are related to natural catastrophes or kidnappings, homicides, attacks of theorists groups, school violence or amorous relationships of politicians can create confusion in a child’s mind, which can then develop into a deformed perception of society regarding it as a confused and hostile environment.

As a parent you may have to think on how to contra-attack the effect this sort of news and information, as well as the images that go with it. The easiest way to deal with this is through dialogue. And hopefully the little one will in time will create a protective “shield” that will avoid the apparition of an emotional mis balance.

Some practical piece of advise:

• Get your child used to read publications designated to his age category and to watch television programs of the same kind. They are less aggressive.
• Customize him to analyze carefully all that he hears and to not consider that all information are necessarily real just because their way of presentation is a spectacular one.
• Try to identify the child’s predilections when it comes to news and his habits as a media consumer.
• If you might consider the respective show is not appropriate for the child, then just turn off the TV. But remember this is just a momentary solution. In order to keep your kid out of the media violence, you must impose a tight rule about television programs and always keep an eye open on your child’s everyday activities.

If these few things are borne in mind and adhered to, you may rest assured that you will be bringing up a healthy child both in mind and body.