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Preschoolers who watch television violence and play violent video
games are more likely to show high levels of aggression and antisocial
behavior than those not exposed, according to a new study.
Parents of 79 children ages two to six were asked about their children's
behavior. Children who watched television violence and/or played
violent video games several times a week or more were classified
as "frequently exposed."
The frequently exposed children were 11 times more likely to display
behaviors such as being disruptive, fighting with family members,
hitting other children, and destroying property. These findings
were independent of factors such as age, quality of parent-child
interactions, witnessing domestic violence, and involvement with
child protection services.
Violent computer games in particular are becoming part of preschoolers'
daily lives, and we are concerned that these games are associated
with antisocial behavior in young children. The study strongly suggests
an association between media violence and young children's antisocial
behavior.
The researchers also suggest that parents need to get more involved
with their children and their activities, and that parents follow
the guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics:
Make sure you know what your child is watching on TV or playing,
and limit TV time to one or two hours a day. Parents should also
discuss the violence that their children see, and its real-life
consequences. Finally, Parents should talk with their children about
ways to solve problems without violence.
Combined meeting of the American
Academy of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Academic Societies, held
in Boston in mid-May, 2000
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