Violence Breeding More Violence
Although my intention was to avoid another rant on how some aspect of today's media was negatively influencing our children, I'm having a difficult time in doing so as my mind continues to return to an article I recently read in the journal Pediatrics. Well, maybe that and the other bit of news I just heard about an 8 year-old allegedly killing his father. And for those who recently read my most recent writing (http://dailystrength.org/blog/336-sex-and-television-impact), this follows that same common sense theme where it is always nice to have the research justify what may appear obvious to others.
So with the objective of examining for a possible association between violence found in the media and significant violent behavior engaged by tweens and teens, the researchers of this study targeted 10 to 15 year olds with previous internet exposure (at least once in the past 6 months) and looked for the outcome measure of self-reported seriously violent behavior as measured by shooting or stabbing someone, aggravated assault, robbery and sexual assault...obviously, some very severe acts. And some of the interesting findings of the study include:
- 5% of the study population actually engaged in at least one of the above-mentioned acts.
- Within this 5%, nearly 40% reported witnessing violence online.
- Those who were exposed to heavy amounts of violence online were more likely to commit some significant violent behavior when compared to those who were not exposed to online violence.
- The odds of committing one of the violent behaviors increased 50% with each increase in the different types of exposures to violent websites.
Granted, one cannot put full blame upon the internet for adolescents performing these violent acts (and recall, no causal association was found in this study, but just an association) as I'm sure many of us can think of other potential reasons why these seriously violent acts occur...genetic predisposition, poor home and school situation, influence from peers, community violence, and so on. Thus, to aggressively deal with youth violence, it becomes quite complicated and requires an intense examination on many different levels. But it would appear to me that the internet (and the media, in general) is an area where we might be able to intervene to some degree.
And so once again, I point the finger back at the parents and caregivers of children. We must realize when our children are witnessing and absorbing violent acts in today's media, they are unquestionably being influenced by them. And for those looking for concrete examples of what we can do? Take the computer, the TV, the video game console out of your child's room. Spend the time installing the blocking and filtering software on your home computer. And as others have mentioned, always attempt to maintain a dialogue with your child...particularly through the difficult times.
I believe our children look to us for guidance, for wisdom...it is our responsibility to step up and provide it.
Dr. Jeremy
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You speak of, "community violence", but it is only mentioned once, and it's all to common for that issue to be downplayed, not just in this article. It's so easy to blame video games, fictional tv programs, etc. etc. But, a society that does nothing to stop people from being trampled to death by greedy shoppers, leaves mentally and physically ill people to visibly die on the streets, and forces young school children to watch the local evening news for homework assignments, (I've been through that issue several times with my stepkids), with it's real life horror fest of violence is hardly ever held up for inspection.
I'd love it if for once we actually tried to put a STOP to the bullying in schools, took responsibility for the people in our communities that can't help themselves and who will die slowly without support, and stopped insinuating that it's everyone's civic duty somehow to repeatedly subject ourselves and our families to the nightly news, (it's well-known that people have significantly more depression and anxiety from a steady diet of news programs. Many people are horrified at the thought of letting a young child watch a violent movie, but all the murders and rapes in their community are perfectly acceptable fare for tv viewing).
If you ask me, continually pointing to fictional medias as the root of violence is simply a ruse to distract the public from focusing on working on real problems. Has ANYONE ever considered the notion that it just MIGHT be that the kids who view really violent things regularly are displaying the SYMPTOM, rather than the cause? If you are exposed to real life violence in your home or community, and it's accepted as no big deal, aren't you MORE likely to see it as no big deal to watch it more on tv, the internet, and video games?
By jaybear December 24, 2008 1:38pm
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Thankyou for this article Dr Jeremy. I am new to this support group. I have a 13yo with ODD (diagnosed by a psychologist) and MOST probably conduct disorder and all he wants to watch is violence .. he hasn't lived with me for the past 6 months, opting to live with his father for a while. His father allows him to watch MA15+ movies regularly which mainly include a LOT of violence and horror, the games he wants to play on his PS2 are ALWAYS violence of some sort and the stronger the better .. ie - wrestling and shooting/fighting games. If I allowed him to, he would sit on the PS2 ALL DAY and if he could stay awake, all night. When he visits me, he 'acts out' wrestling moves on my 4yo son and is constantly berating, belittling and taunting him. He is ok to me for a few days, then reverts back to outrageous rudeness, arguing and defiance .. causing MAJOR arguments/fighting with my husband. He has just been suspended from his new school for being involved with bringing petrol and lighters to school and lighting a fire on the school oval AND threatening a child with violence. Only about a month ago, he was kicked off the school bus for threatening/bullying a girl. He lies habitually and thieves every chance he gets. It truly is heartbreaking and I just don't know what to do when he is HERE now .. any advice would be greatly appreciated. Lisa B
By sospeciallyme December 6, 2008 7:45am
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We live in a world that year after year "desensitizes" our society. This does not just apply to our children. It applies to all of us. The great new age of technology and acceptance and tolerance that has desensatized us all to limits and boundaries.
As desensitized parents we teach our children to be desensitized. Boundaries are lowered every single day because we experience more and more and more. We become accustomed to certain things being the "standard" and "socially acceptable". We demoralize the value of life itself and then ask ourselves why our children dont value life more.
This isnt about one parent, two parent, three parent, more. It is about the values we teach in our home. The limits and boundaries we teach in our home. So that when our children "see" and "experience" the things of this world, thier values and boundaries dont allow them to be desensitized by them. It isnt about keeping movies and games and words from them. It is about teaching them how to handle that which they are exposed to.
We are NOT going to change our world over night. It has become a cespool of violence, drugs, greed, lack of respect for life etc. So, rather than try to protect and keep our children from all of it, we need to educate our children through our own values and morals. Then, they walk out into this world better prepared to handle all the garbage that they face. They are better able to make decisions for themselves rather then doing what "society" or "influence" teaches them.
Once we do that as parents and stop pretending that we can save our children by keeping them from the evils, we will raise healthier children. Not children that "do" or "dont do" because they are told. But, children that "do" and "dont do" because in their heart and soul they know the right from wrong.
We need to STOP blaming everything and everyone else and take responsibility for our influence through our example and guidance. There comes a time then, that we let go and allow our children to make their own choices as adults. If we have done our job well, they will hopefully make good choices. If their personality weakens to the influences of the world then they may make bad choices. However it is, the choices then become theirs, not ours.
By Shelly4 December 5, 2008 8:20am
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Absolutely correct. Call me old fashioned but my children were not permitted to watch horror films on television,video games in moderation and no computer except for educational purposes. I also do not give excuses for working parents, single parents or people who are socially overextended to the point of not knowing what is going on with their child. I was a divorced,single mom and think that it is a very lazy excuse for not raising,monitoring or loving your children enough to make sure they are doing the right thing for their lives. People are more interested in socializing, drinking, taking vacations away from their children and just basically filling their own needs first. I didn't say it was easy or fun but my children are grown with children of their own and they are good,caring loving parents who make sure their kids are doing the right thing. Grandma also helps them to make sure they grow up to be productive members of society. Parents--stop trying to be your kids friends and be an active parent. Yes, the kids are going to get angry at you for making them do the right thing. So what! What child was ever harmed by being ticked off at their parent. It's not all the teacher's fault, psychologist's fault or society's fault. I was broke most of the time-no child support to assist me and worked two jobs most of the time but I was still able to teach my children the values they needed to be productive ,successful adult. Difficult, YOU BET. Worth it, YOU BET. PARENTS, wake up! Dad's, if your not in the home, make sure you are still there for your children. IT'S NOT THEIR FAULT the parents couldn't get along. But, it still is your job to be part of raising them and supporting each other for one common goal----YOUR CHILDREN------
By grandc9 December 4, 2008 12:02pm
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There is a tangible step that everyone can make to reduce this problem. Stand up for fathers being abused in the Family Court system.
80% of divorces are currently initiated by the mother. And they know that they will get primary custody because of the inherent bias of the system. It is the only system on earth that gives no due process to fathers. The solution? Automatic 50/50 possession and shared parenting if one parent leaves.
Two results: the rate of women seeking divorce will drop dramatically, and even with 50/50 divorce the child will be RAISED by both parents. I challenge the author to study statistics of fatherless children and violence. And to study statistics in Australia where 50/50 is automatic. The proof is in the pudding if our society will find the guts to stand up to the politically correct and give honor back to fathers.
Put your voice and your courage into preserving two parent families - and children will get both the nurturing AND discipline/example that will prompt them to lead responsible lives.
By roadkil November 29, 2008 10:08pm
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We are products of our environment and the company we keep. For many years, I have seen the movement of this immoral and violent media evolution taking over our air waves and publishing resources. It blows me away, when I hear of "studies" being done and the cost of them, to find what is only common sense to me - it's hurting our children and society as a whole.
We have to stop looking at our precious freedoms as a source of manipulating what they truly stand for. In every area of our governing we have rules and regulations to in force direction and stability - we need them here too. For every action, there is a reaction or consequence that follows. Telling a child (or even some adults) that killing someone is wrong when they see and hear of this on a daily basis isn't teaching them anything at all. Children follow by example - much more then words. What examples are we showing them? They want to fit in - belong. Our children need heroes - not porn stars and rap singers stimulating their brain cells. What benefit does this have on any - other then making the almighty dollar.
I don't believe we should stick our heads in the sand and forget about all that the world can project, but I do believe in tact, dignity and privacy as an equal right and freedom. Parents do need to take control of what their children observe and relate to more then ever. But, we also need to have a governing source to protect the innocent from our medias lack of responsibilty and values, purely for the financial gain they call "freedom of speech".
By Nan56 November 23, 2008 9:10am
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Here in Kanukistan, the no. 1 reason for young men (particularly young Black men) shooting, stabbing, beating with mallets, raping, robbing and otherwise misbehaving is almost entirely blamed on the fact that THEY CANNOT BE PUNISHED. If you are under 18 years old, and you commit multiple rapes, you will be released back into the community where you committed the crimes, within 48 hours, and the law prohibits anyone from telling us what you look like or where you are living! And this is not just those whose parents are ninth generation welfare queens, either. A couple of years ago two brats *of colour* having a street race in their parents expensive cars t-boned a taxi and murdered a family man trying to make a living. THEY GOT HOUSE ARREST. And two boys from the wealthiest neighbourhood in town filmed themselves torturing a cat to death -- for a school project! -- and got 14 days HOUSE ARREST.
Anyone who can still read should pick up Lord of the Flies and remind herself that boys and girls who have no adult supervision are savages and if they know that what they do has no consequences, there will be no limit to what they do.
By Appleby November 23, 2008 8:48am
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I think we are attracted to that which we know.
The violence world wide in terms of war on a global scale, is not a good example for anybody.
Parents and caregivers are NOT where violence starts.
Stepping up in the 'Public System' in my country affords opposition like you would not believe. Challenging the system is hard but when one is looking for a better way for their child, it must be done.
In the meantime our family can't pay the bills. How much anger and resentment do think we fight against on a regular basis?????
By Anna000 November 22, 2008 2:55pm
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At only 19 years old, even i agree with this, even at school you could see that change happening around u, when i started secondary school, year 7's avoided yea 11's they were king of the school, and deserved respect 4 being older, however by the time i was in year 9, i would see year 7's wingin up older kids, taunting an menausing, and its all because theres no consequenses, i quite often hear the phrase"what are you gonna do, u can't do anything about it" and sadly to say this comment is too true, society needs to pin back in manners and moral, into the breed of so say invincible and untouchable youth that r being bread, stand up, speak out against crime, wrong doing, as that famous quote goes, that i cant remeber now, summit like if man stands down an does nothing then he himself may aswell be doing the acts of the agressor. I believe this statmenet is true, people now adays have become weak, too engulfed by self following, stop blaming everything else and stand up for your rights, and Dr jeremy is right, the parents are 2 blame.
By helen4c November 22, 2008 12:49pm
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Dr. Shapiro, I think the issue is that the adolescent is still developing neurologically and psychologically. Exposures to violence either at an early age up to adolescence without the guided sorting by mature adults (which usually there is not too many of those floating around), makes it difficult to know when aberrant behavior will occur in which child.
Needless to say, this might go the same with sexual predilection...
Both neurotransmitter pathways are activated: Dopamine and possibly the Norepinephrine/Serotonin. Anger centers are derived from increased dopamine and decreased serotonin. Pleasure is derived from dopamine. A very bad combination being brewed in children's minds that are still in development. The question becomes if we expose these children to negative environments, combined with poor nutrition and negative reinforcement, then can we predict this behavior? I doubt it...
Keep us posted!
Sincerely,
Gina L. Moore-Sanders, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
By AKAMonet November 21, 2008 8:52pm
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I blame the parents for allowing their children to be exposed to such things! With free speech comes speech and media that children should not see, and it is the responsibility of the parents, and the parents ALONE to protect their children from this, and to teach their children how to be peaceful, productive members of society. We can not infringe on free speech, and censorship is nothing but that! Not to mention that good parenting also entails open communication with the child to help but things in to context. Children should not be sheltered, either. Demanding censorship is lazy parenting!
By AliCat09 November 21, 2008 7:23pm
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Oh...sorry I also think it is about the children...I do believe we are all connected...so for me it does take A Village...namaste mlb
By mlb November 21, 2008 4:53pm
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Wow ...thanks for the comments everyone. It appears "someone else " is always to blame...alot of fingerpointing. I have no answers except that with my rose colored glasses I feel that until we feel peace in our heart...there will no peace..etc...etc... Guess I'm still singing "imagine".. All the posts are so interesting.
namaste mlb
By mlb November 21, 2008 4:51pm
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There is one thing that has not been accounted for in this study. What percentage of these would have commited the crimes without even experiencing any violent video games? Where are the stat's for this portion of shildren who would do these things no matter what they are exposed to? THere are children who use these behaviors to control what others do and don't do.
By catlovesdi November 21, 2008 3:38pm
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This is an interesting study, Dr. Shapiro, and I appreciate your statements about taking the media out of the kids' bedrooms. My son, Leo, is set to go to his friend's house tomorrow, and I'm certain there will be lots of sega/nintendo/wii/etc. action going on. Apparently, his friend has a panel TV, computer, etc. all in his bedroom. Yes, we will keep up the dialogue and ask about particular games and internet content.
Your contribution, though, leaves any sort of government regulation out of the picture, which of course points the finger back to the parents and caregivers. Other comments have discussed the FCC's role in censorship, which is a complete mess, thanks to its politically conservative roots and orientation. I have no solution to offer that would not violate our civil liberties on some level.
With a great sense of irony, US Army recruiting stations are now starting to operate video simulators for potential recruits. Wasn't this meant to be? (Remember the TV ad for sega/nintendo/etc. where a networked group of regular guys playing shoot-em-up were beaten by another networked team that were actual soldiers, in a tent somewhere? "Who are these guys?" one of the regular guys asked.)
To respond to other comments, don't blame Hollywood. There are customers in this market - you and me - and we demand this stuff. When our preferences shift, so will the stuff on TV. For another coment, sports are hardly violent, and they offer an out for many of the people who are prone to grow up in a culture of violence. What messes up this line of argument are professional NBA/NFL/etc. players who market violence with their super-skills.
By MattyS November 21, 2008 1:39pm
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I Blame Hollywood for increased in crime in the world. Multi billion dollar special effects techniques used in combination with mind-numbing, repetitive music soundtracks, depicts horrendous atrocities toward victims (usually women and children). All this gore and crime is portrayed in the name of ratings. I refuse to pay for any movies at the theater as the caliber of subject matter is less than laughable. Television shows such as CSI and all the other genre of unmentionable stuff are so lame. They are generally on past 10pm (past prime time/family viewing hours), feeding whacko insomniacs or hormonal men hellbent on venting frustrations and malaise toward unknown victims. Hollywood should never be allowed to put out all the psychotic, trashy shoft value crapola that they do. they are basically given carte blanc to. put this stuff out into society without any social or moral responsibility. It's just criminal.
By Cybercatxq November 21, 2008 11:10am
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I BLAME MTV IN THE 70'S - THEY OPENED A MEDIA DOOR THAT WE AREN'T ABLE TO CLOSE. ANYTHING GOES. PRE 70'S WOULD YOU EVER HAVE IMAGINED THAT WE WOULD BE FORCED TO WATCH COMERCIALS FOR "ED" FOR GOD'S SACK...SOMEBODY SAVE US FROM OURSELVES! THE DEVIL IS RUNNING AMUCK AMONG US. OG BTW IF YOU EXPIERENCE AN ERECTION LASTING MORE THAN 3 MINUTES - GO TO THE HOSPITAL ...DAH
By tdub060450 November 21, 2008 11:07am
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Please explain how if this research is not a "causal association" how I knows it is not the children but the media which causes this association?
Is it fair then to say that I should assume children are "unquestionably being influenced" by media? Why is violence always associated with negative results? Most of our sports center around the concept of violent acts toward one another, pushing, punching, hitting, etc. Americans pay billions of dollars every year in support of sports as well the government pays money toward supporting school age sport programs. That is violent too, but is it wrong? Are we raising our children to be violent then? Are we bad parents at that point? What of the solider who raise his sons/daughters to be soilders? I prefer to think violence is not the root of the problem but lack of moral character and fitting into society. Honestly, name the difference between the choices of two men, one is a gang member defending his turf and the other is a police man defending the citizens of a city? The difference is not in the actions but in the moral decisions behind their lines of employment. It is having the ability to step back and look at the grander picture. Critical thinking, morality, but not the violence that makes one's actions bad and the other good.
By pixie0413 November 21, 2008 8:51am
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I think children are often underestimated. When a five year old sees Mario bonking a little monster and decides to try it on his brother he quickly discovers real life doesn't work like the video game!
On a slight tangent it is ironic how with all the violence shown on television none of it is of the young men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. If some of the reality of those wars was shown on tv maybe some of the parents censoring kids from watching R rated movies on HBO will think twice before encouraging them to join the military and participate in those wars.
By GoldfishCM November 20, 2008 6:03pm
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YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!!
I never let my children watch any thing even remotely violent at home. There was never any cursing or using any other foul language.
Then they went to school where they were regularly exposed to R rated films, forced to read books with all sorts of foul language including the N word and the F word. When we complained we were told to "cut the apron strings". That our children would have to face the "real" world sooner or later!
You can not lay the blame on parents when they schools expose our children and threaten to fail the child if parents take a stand about what the child is exposed to in school.
By catlovesdi November 20, 2008 6:02pm