Pediatricians Take Strong Stand Against Media Sex and Violence: Modeled Behaviors Called Key Causal Factors of Real-Life Actions

By: Roseanna Sonnenfeld

 

      The November issue of Pediatrics shows doctors taking a firm stand against violence and sex in movies, music, television and video games, which they say pose a serious threat to kids and teens.  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, "The evidence is now clear and convincing: media violence is one of the causal factors of real-life violence and aggression."  Because of this many people are saying that doctors should be questioning children about what kinds of media-engaged habits is part of their lives.  With the answers that are given to these questions, there could be more talks with parents about their kids' reckless habits.  Although many do agree that exposure to media violence is not the sole factor that contributes to aggression, antisocial attitudes, and violence among children and teens, it is an important health risk factor that can we can address, reports ABC News.

 

      I agree with the statement being made that this kind of media is not the sole factor to these problems but I also strongly agree that they are a huge factor to these problems.  I have a younger brother who is 10 years old.  When I think of him watching movies or playing video games with curse words, sex, aggression, and violence in them, it makes me upset.  I myself don't even like to watch movies with these things in them, why should a 10 year old be allowed to do that?  Thank goodness my parents have somewhat of a restriction to what he can and cannot watch.  But there are several children who at 10 years old or maybe even a bit younger are playing video games that allow them to shoot and kill or have some type of similar violence/aggression in them.  Yes, I know that it is only a video game or it is only a movie or only a song but at a young age most of what is seen and heard becomes a small part of their memory or something that they want to imitate in some way.  By allowing them to watch, play, or listen to these types of media they are exposed to new ways in which to act towards other people around them.  Every parent has a different way of parenting but I feel as if one of the best choices towards benefitting your child is to have restrictions on what can and cannot be watched, played, or listened to.  It may save you more trouble in the future than you know. 

 

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