14 DAY TRIAL // New study further links the violence seen on TV with increasing rates of violent behavior among teenagers, but especially preschoolers. TV shows, action movies and extremely violent video games all have a very high impact on the way children and young adults view the world, especially if they've been exposed to their influence for a short period of time. The new research was conducted from the Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, by a team of experts led by Paul Boxer.
Their finds, detailed in an on-line edition of the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, say that the influence that violence in the media has on kids is even greater than other factors, including experiencing violent behaviors first hand and peer pressure. "Even in conjunction with other factors, our research shows that media violence does enhance violent behavior," Boxer said.
The researchers analyzed the cases of some 820 teenagers, interviewed them on their behavior, and surveyed their parents and teachers, so as to get the best image possible about the network of influences that drove these children towards violent behavior. Half of the test subjects were selected from Michigan high schools, while the others were chosen from detention centers in the area.
All participants were asked to state their favorite movies, TV shows and video games, even those they liked when they were as young as 7. Their parents and teachers were asked about their behavior at home and in school, respectively, and all the answers were centralized.
The results revealed that media had a much higher influence on all children's behavior than previous mental and psychological conditions, including serious emotional problems. "On average, adolescents who were not exposed to violent media are not as prone to violent behavior," Boxer said. "There currently can be very little doubt that exposure to violence in the media has a consistent and substantial impact on aggressive behavior."
The new finds could help authorities develop better prevention programs, aimed squarely at preventing such violent behavior from occurring in teens and young adults. "Researchers can try to learn how to intervene in potentially aggressive or antisocial behaviors, and effect change at a very young age," the report concluded.