Effect Of TV Violence...

Television is so awful, and kids watch so much of it, that it's not surprising that there's been much sociological research on its effects. Most of the studies, though, suffer from the third-factor effect - yes, kids who watch a lot of TV tend to be more aggressive, but could a third factor explain both behaviors? Kids with lower IQ scores also tend to watch more TV and be more violent, as do kids from poorer families. The correlations between heavy TV watching and other behaviors could be merely effects from common causes.

Through the miracle of TV, our children can witness war, murder, rape, hate, prejudice, sexual promiscuity, and a host of other inappropriate behaviors before they are even allowed to cross the street alone. Children begin watching television at a very early age, sometimes as early as six months, and are ardent viewers by the time that they are two or three years old. The general pattern of viewing is one of a steady rise in the number of hours viewed from early childhood through preadolescence and then a sharp drop in viewing during the adolescent years.

Fifty-seven percent of television programs contain "psychologically harmful" violence, according to a study funded by the cable television industr

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Express your opinions and your concerns to the local TV stations. Provide alternatives such as opera, ballet, theatre, museums, and most importantly, reading.

Children who watch repeated acts of violence tend to imitate some of the more violent behaviors. Try not to buy products which may include clothes, backpacks, shoes, besides toys that are directly linked to violent television shows or are advertised during violent programs. The evidence comes from both the laboratory and real-life studies. Select programs that are designed to promote positive development and learning. You can come up with some rules as for example, TV only on weekends, no TV before school, no TV after dinner, no violent shows, etc. TV was originally thought to be a great leveler, since both rich and poor would be watching the same programs and would be provided with the same news and information. Instead, the reverse may be happening. If TV distracts you from practicing it in that crucial stage, you may never get good reading habits. Imitation can range from such seemingly "harmless" acts as the numerous little boys who don Moms' dish cloths and jump from the living room sofa in imitation of Superman to full fledged, sinister acts of violence. Children watch an average of three to fours hours of television daily.

Approximate Word count = 2126
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)

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