Impact of Media Violence Tips

Find out how media violence impacts kids, and get tips on choosing quality, age-appropriate media.
by Caroline Knorr | Feb. 13, 2013 | Sex and violence

Violence in Media Really Matters

Advice & Answers


Media violence does affect kids

It's in video games, movies, books, music videos, cartoons, the nightly news, on the web and even in commercials. Violence is literally everywhere in media. And it's becoming harder to avoid. Today, with the explosion of technology and the 24/7 media access that comes along with it, the question more than ever is what's the impact, especially on our kids?

The short answer is: We don't know. Research on the amount of violence in media consumed by kids and teens is out of date and incomplete. Past research estimates that about 90% of movies, 68% of video games, 60% of TV shows, and 15% of music videos include some depictions of violence.

What we do know, however, is that media violence is pervasive. And kids are exposed to it a lot of it. In fact, a recent study found that kids as young as 8 are spending nearly 7.5 hours with media every day. That's more time than they spend with their families or in school.

While experts agree that no one single factor can cause a nonviolent person to act aggressively, heavy exposure to violent media can be a risk factor for violent behavior. Children who are exposed to multiple risk factors -- including aggression and conflict at home -- are the most likely to behave aggressively.

The good news is that, as parents, we can make a choice to consistently expose our kids to media that reflects our own personal values and say "no" to the stuff that doesn't. There are so many great benefits to media and technology, including the potential to teach valuable skills. Doing research about TV shows, movies, or games before your kids watch, play, and interact with them will go a long way in helping kids avoid the bad stuff.

So how can you as a parent manage media violence in your kids' life? 


Tips for parents of all kids

  • Explain consequences. What parent hasn't heard "but there's no blood" as an excuse for watching a movie or playing a video game? Explain the true consequences of violence. Point out how unrealistic it is for people to get away with violent behavior.
  • Keep an eye on the clock. Don't let kids spend too long with virtual violence. The more time spent immersed in violent content, the greater its impact and influence.
  • Teach conflict resolution. Most kids know that hitting someone on the head isn't the way to solve a disagreement, but verbal cruelty is also violent. Teach kids how to use their words responsibly to stand up for themselves without throwing a punch.
  • Know your kids' media. Check out ratings and, when there are none, find out about content. Content in a 1992 R-rated movie is now acceptable for a PG-13. Streaming online videos aren't rated and can showcase very brutal stuff.


Advice by age

  • 2- to 4-year-old kids often see cartoon violence. But keep them away from anything that shows physical aggression as a means of conflict resolution, because they'll imitate what they see.
  • For 5- to 7-year-olds, cartoon rough-and-tumble, slapstick, and fantasy violence are OK, but violence that could result in death or serious injury is too scary.
  • 8- to 10-year-olds can handle action-hero sword fighting or gunplay as long as there's no gore.
  • For 11- to 12-year-olds, historical action is OK, including battles, fantasy clashes, and duels. But close-ups of gore or graphic violence (alone or combined with sexual situations) aren't recommended.
  • Kids ages 13-17 can and will see shoot-'em-ups, blow-'em-ups, high-tech violence, accidents with disfigurement or death, anger, and gang fighting. Point out that the violence portrayed hurts and causes suffering. And limit time exposure to violence, especially in video games.
  • Most M-rated games aren't right for kids under 17. The kid down the street may have the latest cop-killer game, but that doesn't mean it's good for him. The ultra-violent behavior, often combined with sexual images, isn't good for developing brains. Just because your child's friend is allowed to play violent games or watch violent movies doesn't mean they're OK for your child.

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Comments

Kid, 10 years old May 17, 2013
If your child wants to play Call Of Duty Black Ops or GTA IV so much,then sit with him-do not let him play the game alone.As I say,Its rated MA-15,under 15 must be accompanied by adults.I play GTA SA and GTA IV alone because I understand about the games stuff.
taranapoe May 16, 2013
yeah it's all true. kids might follow what they have seen in video games so it is important to have a parental guidance for them to explained what is going on in the video games and etc. palawan travel palawan tour package
Kid, 11 years old May 15, 2013
BTW (by the way), they should be able to have ANYTHING in ADULTS ONLY VIDEOGAMES (M and AO ones), because the way I see it, adults are allowed to see whatever the heck they want.
Kid, 11 years old May 15, 2013
I've once played GTA San Andreas; let me tell you that the graphic violence in it, is like shooting a restaurant's guy's head off, and there's lots and tons of blood in that scene. You can also beat up people (and I also once beat up a police officer bloody). You can also shoot people down bloodily, too, so beware for young kids and teenagers. While, UFC: Undisputed: 3, let your child play. Yes, there's a tiny bit of blood that goes onto the ring, players' faces are left bloody, there's no swearing though, but sometimes they stitch people's faces up and some aftermaths are impactful, so watch them first.
Bionic Reviewer May 7, 2013
I'll open up with this: When I was very little, my mom wouldn't let me anywhere near a toy gun or sword. For a few years, it worked. Then, I visted my older cousin's house, and saw his extensive toy gun collection. The no gun rule promptly flew out the window at lightning speed. I was then exposed to the world of video games, and I've been playing them ever since. I've played games ranging from Wizard101, to Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2, to even inFAMOUS 2 (and, for one day at the aforementioned cousins house, spent some time going on a rampage through L.A in a GTA game). Here's the twist: I haven't felt the urge to kill, destroy, main, or otherwise injure another human being or animal. In cases like this, it's normally nature as opposed to nurture: Most of these people you hear of who do these horrible things based on games, have had something wrong with them from the beginning. Did video games exacerbate it? Possibly, yes. Are most rational beings affected by it? Not really. This doesn't mean you should let your kids play whatever, and young children playing violent games is a terrible idea. But, letting them play some games with swordplay or magic or lasers starting around age 7 probably couldn't hurt, and Wizard101 and Pirate101 are relatively safe for anyone who knows how to use a computer. Of course, as the parent you most likely are, you still hold absolute control, and what games are played should be decided by family values and parent decision. If your child wants to buy a game, do your research, and if you end up going for it, then watch them play for a while. It may help a lot.
Kid, 11 years old May 15, 2013
I developed verbal violence, but that needs to stop in my house. Meanwhile, physical violence isn't too bad, despite my selection.
Wdog-999 May 6, 2013
The way I see it, there's quite a difference between real life violence and media violence. Media violence is often overblown to the point where most people can easily tell that it's nowhere close to real life (do you really think that real people pour gallons of blood from their chest when they're stabbed). Personally, I've seen the clip of Budd Dwyer shooting himself in the head during a press conference and even I was quite shocked and even typing about it now makes me uneasy. Media violence, however, doesn't creep me out at all and is actually somewhat entertaining due to how overblown and unreasonable it is. For one, after watching "The Raven," I actually rewatched a particularly violent scene several times and I've seen my fair share of horror movies with copious amounts of blood and gore ("Saw," "Candyman," and "Child's Play 2"). And again, seeing an actual death did not entertain me and actually made me very uneasy. I'm definitely not saying that you should ever expose a child to that (honestly, no one should ever have to see a real life death), but it's important to realize that there's a very real difference between the two and while I've never been in a discussion related to it, it could make for another bullet point when distinguishing the difference between violence in real life and media. Another point: I believe that the whole ordeal of blaming video games for real life violence is just a cop-out for bad parenting. Personally, I never get into violent situations despite the high amount of violent games I play. The difference is that my parents knew to tell me the consequences of violent behavior, both on Earth and when I die and go to Heaven for God to judge whether or not I deserve to be in Heaven. Even just knowing the consequences of actions can go a long way in preventing your child from taking these actions.
salimc50 May 1, 2013
I have recently done an analysis of media and violence for a Communications college course. The sad truth is that we may not have conclusive evidence of the prominent causes that violence in the media has on our nation, especially our children. I read so many articles claiming that it is video games, another that says it is Hollywood, another that says it is our lack in mental health funding--the one conclusion I came to is that discussion and awareness of the consequences and implications of violence start IN THE HOME. Making sure that children understand the difference between glamorized media violence with usually no consequential actions and real-life violence that hurts others is a major topic to talk with children about. I know that increasing technological freedom of our children, who may know how to navigate the Internet better or bypass blocked settings, is a difficult obstacle to overcome. However, taking the time to set boundaries and communicate the REASONS you are setting these boundaries can help to prevent later disconnections between media violence and the real thing.
bb scout Apr 12, 2013
this is stupid, i mean ratings are there for a reason people need to pay attention to that kind of stuff
Allen Wang May 20, 2013
Hey, We're Not Stupid And The Ratings Are OK But Don't Disrespect The Contents And The Ratings For A Reason To Believe That Violence is A Issue And If You Don't Like It! Ignore It And Pretend That You Di dn't Hear Anything! OK? Thank You!
NinzaMonkeY Apr 6, 2013
This is just stupid. Ive played grand theft autos since i was 6. I watched r rated movies since i was 7 (example die hards, untouchables, godfather, etc..,). Now Im 14 and ive watched scarface, pet sematary, casino etc... I guess its just if youre little insane, easily offended or something like that, you shouldnt play Mature games or watch R movies
wytworm Mar 6, 2013
I like the admission that 'we don't know' then we will tell you what we want to believe and base it all on that. We do know that there is no common standard for 'values'. Not sure how a monolithic one size fits all approach works. It is also not required to expose your kids to ANY media. That is a parenting choice. Quite possibly a bad and irresponsible one.
TimTheTVGuy Mar 3, 2013
I like some shows with violence,such as Happy Tree Friends and The Simpsons.I'm a Christan (because I read the Bible and go to church) and I find those two shows really funny.Just because I like HTF and The Simpsons dosen't make me an athiest.I know some Christans who like HTF,and when they make fun of The Lord on The Simpsons,I just change the channel.When they stop making fun of Jesus,I change the channel back to FOX.As for M-rated video games,I choose NOT to play them.Because they're too violent.I'm quite a gamer myself,but i'm gonna choose NOT to play M-rated games.I'm a huge fan of action (I love Star Wars,Angry Birds,Ninjago,Ben 10,Pokemon,ect.) But I wouldn't exactly show them to little kids (NOTE: I'm not a parent,i'm a 21 year old male.) I remember one time,my friend who sits next to me in class (i'm a college student),let his brother (who is 6) watch a movie called Ben 10: Alien Swarm.The movie gave him nightmares.In my opinion Ben 10: Alien Swarm is an OK movie (read my review on it.)So,if I was a parent,and had a child who loves action,I would tell him not to copy what he sees of the screen!
Kid, 12 years old Feb 9, 2013
In my opinion games like assassins creed, skyrim, and halo are ok for kids under 17 but games like cod and grand theft auto are not. Unfortunately my parents do not share my beliefs.
Kid, 10 years old May 17, 2013
Assassin's Creed and HALO are M FOR MATURE rated games,so COD and GTA also are fine.I'd say games like Bully or Prince Of Persia are OK for kids under 17,the others are better with Parental guidance.
Cuddly1984 Jan 22, 2013
It really depends on the content of the game, there are some M rated games that are just plain ridiculous with their content, such as (DMC: Devil May Cry), which has very foul language, and graphic sexual content. Compared to M rated Dark Souls or Skyrim which has very limited or no language/sexual content. Its just about parents researching the game, or trying the game themselves first before purchasing for kids/teens.
JEDI micah Dec 26, 2012
As an adult, I choose not to play M-rated video games. It may be tempting sometimes, but it's easy to resist if you are a person who never played M-rated games, like me. And it's the same thing with R-rated movies. There are some T-rated games that I'll play and PG-13 movies that I'll watch. But when I see violence through the media, I am smart enough to know that violence isn't always the answer in reality. When I see violent content, I would never do it in real-life. That's what people these days should think: Violence in media - fun to watch, but copying what you see - severe consequences could come up on your doorstep!
JEDI micah Dec 26, 2012
As an adult, I choose not to play M-rated video games. It may be tempting sometimes, but it's easy to resist if you are a person who never played M-rated games, like me. And it's the same thing with R-rated movies. There are some T-rated games that I'll play and PG-13 movies that I'll watch. But when I see violence through the media, I am smart enough to know that violence isn't always the answer in reality. When I see violent content, I would never do it in real-life. That's what people these days should think: Violence in media - fun to watch, but copying what you see - severe consequences could come up on your doorstep!
ratbrainbasher Dec 16, 2012
okay, first off, let me point out how wrong you guys are about 'developing a fear of being harmed'. that is a GOOD thing! if you aren't afraid of physical harm, well, eat me. second, 'playing violent video games leads to violence like smoking leads to lung cancer'. honestly, i expected more from you. it is not guaranteed that you become a violent kid if you play violent games. i mean, i play more M games than any other, but i happen to use bribes, subterfuge, extortion, and business tactics to get what i want. i don't hit somebody over the head if the make me angry. i bribe them. BTW, i'm thirteen! third, you said 'When kids watch media and play games loaded with violence, studies show it can lead to harmful acts and bullying. And the more aggressive behavior kids see, the more it becomes an acceptable way to settle conflicts. They may even become less sensitive to those who suffer from real violence.'. less sensitive!?!? if anything, it's made me more sensitive! i am planning on becoming a weapons engineer when i get more Armour-grade steel. you know why? because if i make better Armour than the USA's enemies, than our guys stay alive! i do not want them to die! i want an end to war, suffering, pretty much like star trek! so, yeah, no one's at a huge risk unless they already had something broke inside.
wytworm Mar 6, 2013
As an adult with two kids, I agree with your views. Rock on!
Kid, 12 years old Feb 9, 2013
bribes. something is wrong if thats how your parents taught you to get through life
B_K_R4NDoN Jan 22, 2013
While I don't necessarily agree with everything in the article, your comment made me consider otherwise. I don't think you should be reviewing anything...
Antagonist Nov 22, 2012
You guys must seriously chill out. I was exposed to the first Terminator when I was 10 and I turned out alright
wytworm Mar 6, 2013
As do the vast majority of the millions and millions who play.
Cm20014 Jan 6, 2013
I Would Say An M-Rated Game Like RPGs Where Your the Positive Person (Good) Instead of Being the Yucky Person (Evil): Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Elder Scrolls, Fallout (Good Karma), Dante's Inferno (Absolving Damned Souls), Diablo, Souls (Demon's Souls/DarkSouls), Halo, Fable (Being Good), CastleVania, Gears of War, Read Dead Redemption (Good Choices), L.A. Noire, Tomb Raider, Uncharted, Assassin's Creed, Zelda Series, Fire Emblem,. 15-17 For M-Rated Games.
CSM Screen name... Sep 28, 2012
Excellent. Really good for group discussions. In the home and outside of the home. One thing that I think would be beneficial: balance the video with some video snippets that simultaneously promote encourage healthy value systems
cheebs13 Jul 25, 2012
M rated games arent that bad. It should be 15+ for M. Not 17. Period.
jymn Sep 30, 2012
not all M rated games are created equal. There are some I would let a 12 year old play (Mass Effect, for example), and others no one is playing in my house--"I don't care if you're 23, gruesome violence for it's own sake is not entertainment, and I will not tolerate it under my roof!"-- (I'm looking at you, Manhunt)

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