Media violence can be viewed on different devices, different screens, and in different places. Since certain technology is recommended not to be used with children under the age of two, American Academy of Pediatrics (2016) emphasizes the importance of hands-on exploration and social interactions to enhance a child’s overall development, hence the reason why so many people are hesitant when it comes to media usage by children. All of the research regarding media violence discusses the common themes in predicting aggression, desensitizing, influencing social and emotional behavior along with imitation (Agarwal & Dhanasekaran, 2012; Huesmann, 2007; Huesmann & Kirwil, 2007). Media is affecting its viewers and having a negative …show more content…
Research has shown that childhood exposure to media violence could foretell aggressive behavior in early adulthood along with high risk behavior such as drug, alcohol, and sexual activity… even when controlling socioeconomic status, I.Q., and various parenting factors” (Browne & Hamilton-Giachritsis, 2005; Daly & Perez, 2009; Erwin & Morton, 2008). Children are not enhancing skills or gaining developmental skills such as empathy, communication, sharing, and interaction, to name a few, because of overexposure to media but mainly media violence. The lack of physical development and spending the most time with media, children are not being involved in play and imaginative play, which is an important skill in all aspects of child development and early childhood (Levin, 2010; NAEYC, 2009). They also discussed imaginative play and reenacting what they see as a way to understand the world around them. Media violence is negatively impacting a child’s imaginative play and altering their sense of self (Agarwal & Dhanasekaran, 2012; Browne & Hamilton-Giachritsis, 2005; Erwin & Morton, 2008). Children are receiving mixed messages when they are told not to hit or kick but turn around and are viewing it on media as a way to resolve conflicts (Erwin & Morton, 2008). Media is sending the …show more content…
Media violence is not the only contributing factor to the negative effects on child development but the exposure has a large enough impact. Parents and professionals need to be aware of the effects and exposure of media violence. Adults need to guard children from such violent media and confront the new reality of overexposure. Children rely on adults to keep them physically and emotionally safe. Browne and Hamilton-Giachritsis (2005) and Gentile and Bushman (2012) exclaimed a need for a public-health approach in the prevention of media violence with family and community support. Parents need to know they have the greatest influence on their child’s interaction with media. There are systems that lock television and computer programs but do not limit the amount of time-spent viewing. Televisions are made with v-chips (manufactured after January 2000) which enable the TV to detect the program rating, but are not being utilized nearly enough. People, in general, need to stop blaming just the parents and work together to set limits, guidelines, and rules to prevent the harmful effects of media violence. Professionals and educators can support parent efforts by creating discussions around media violence and how to make educated choices. Professionals need to be aware of the report that, “children who achieve less tend to watch more TV with more aggressive characters; and believe