Violence in the Media

A topic often discussed in media literacy is violence in the media.
Here are some facts provided by the National Institute on Media and the Family:

• By the time a child is eighteen years old, he or she will witness on television (with average viewing time) 200,000 acts of violence including 40,000 murders (Huston, et al, 1992).

• Children, ages 8 to 18, spend more time (44.5 hours per week- 61/2 hours daily) in front of computer, television, and game screens than any other activity in their lives except sleeping (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2005).

• Since the 1950s, more than 1,000 studies have been done on the effects of violence in television and movies. The majority of these studies conclude that: children who watch significant amounts of television and movie violence are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior, attitudes and values (Senate Committee on the Judiciary, 1999).

• Children are affected at any age, but young children are most vulnerable to the effects of media violence (Bushman, 2001). Young children
  • are more easily impressionable.
  • have a harder time distinguishing between fantasy and reality.
  • cannot easily discern motives for violence.
  • learn by observing and imitating.
  
  
• Violence (homicide, suicide, and trauma) is a leading cause of death for children, adolescents and young adults, more prevalent than disease, cancer or congenital disorders (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2001).

The Media Channel is a media group that addresses violence in the media, as well as other media literacy issues.

"Around the world, coalitions continue to express concern about the frequency and degree of violence in the mass media, especially in children's media. But while some scholars see real danger in violent media messages, others are concerned that focusing attention on media violence obscures more important political, social and economic issues.

How can we moderate violence in entertainment media without infringing on freedom of expression? How can reporters cover crime stories without being accused of "body-bag journalism"? And if popular culture is so "toxic," and we're so dissatisfied with media offerings, why is the TV on in the average American home for over 7 hours a day in the average American home? Why did we spend $6.88 billion dollars at the box office in 1998? Do we need to eliminate violence in media because we can't control our own lust for savagery?"

Here's a good site that looks at what experts have to say about the topic.