A lot of us read the astonishing statistics concerning the results of TV violence on our kids. And we may stand it one of two camps: Television is just a reaction to society — a projection of the way life is. Or television is influencing and encouraging the brutality in this world.
Either way, it cannot be sugar-coated. Violence has always played some role in today’s world whether it’s between individuals demanding their will or on a larger scale — governments using ruthless force. So inside a historical sense, you need to understand the impact of violence and what we’ve learned. These historical lessons get their place as well as their context, but what I’m talking about is more the glamorizing of violence. Whether it’s life imitating art or art imitating life, it does not really matter. Our homes would be the havens — the safety net in this world. This is the place where we buoy our kids up — positively uplift them — while teaching and minimizing the results of outside negative influences. So if we truly do live in a violent world, we are able to offer some peace to our children — and if it’s more a matter of perspective, then aren’t we concentrating on the wrong things?
Let’s look at the disadvantages of an excessive amount of violence about the TV:
* Desensitization. Television nowadays is much more realistic than it was previously due to the advancement of effects and cartoon. Due to the sometimes gratuitous nature, the line between fantasy and reality could be fuzzy. So a humph and nonchalant shrug could be the extent of sympathy when real news of violence is shared. And also to go even one step further, children could then be less empathetic to the suffering of those around them.
* Fear. How do you feel if you have watched a program about a child abduction? I know I don’t want my children from my sight — I are a hovering mom. While it’s good to be informed, we need to differentiate between sensationalism and facts. Do you know the statistics, and also the reasonable precautions? If we’re constantly viewing negative input, that is what we’ll always perceive in the world, and that is how people can become riddled with anxiety.
* Increased Violence. Numerous research has demonstrated the correlation between increased aggression and increased television viewing of violence. These date back towards the 50’s.
Television isn’t a terrible thing. There are numerous educational programs out there for the children. And if we all do our homework, you will find decent entertainment shows for our kids. It’s all about balance — despite television viewing. So what are the solutions for all of us as a parent to combat this violence about the TV?
* Understand what our kids are watching. Watch a show with them — see what they are really coming in contact with.
* Set a period limit to television viewing. Don’t allow your children have the TV on continually. Choose a few pre-screened shows, something they can look forward to.
* Open Communication. Always encourage open communication with your children, and not simply about TV programs. If we already have a good relationship with them — they’ll speak with us about the violence on television, or the difference between reality and fantasy. Most of these conversations could be more natural and open the doors for your positive influence.
* Encouragement of alternative activities. There are many opportunities for the children — from sports to music, to meeting up with neighborhood kids for a soccer game. Encourage these less sedentary activities, there are a multitude of benefits to these activities.