This week, my partner and I discovered that our daughter had been exposed to some serious violence in the media without us even realizing it. We were winding down with the popular series “Squid Game” when our daughter popped downstairs for a drink after her bedtime. We hit pause, but when she saw the screen and noticed the faceless characters in red masks, she casually asked, “Oh, you guys are watching ‘Squid Game?’”
We exchanged shocked glances, wondering how our seven-year-old knew about such a violent show that we had never watched around her or her siblings. Naturally, we asked her where she had heard about it, and she mentioned that one of her friends on the bus had been playing a Roblox game based on the Netflix series.
And honestly, we weren’t surprised. While Roblox can be a fantastic platform for kids, it also has its share of violent content. It’s important to note that exposure to media violence doesn’t automatically turn kids violent, but it can be a contributing factor.
To illustrate this, some researchers compare the relationship between media violence and aggressive behavior to the link between smoking and lung cancer. Not every smoker gets lung cancer, but smoking increases the risk. Similarly, not every child exposed to media violence will become aggressive, but they may be more likely to develop those tendencies.
It’s also crucial to understand that younger kids often struggle to distinguish between fiction and reality. “For toddlers and preschoolers, everything feels very immediate. Seeing violence on TV can make them perceive their world as dangerous, leading to issues like nightmares and trouble sleeping,” says Dr. Lisa Thompson, a researcher at a children’s health institute. Their studies show that even cartoonish violence can trigger these reactions, suggesting that there really is no such thing as “safe media violence” for this age group.
A recent study found that media violence can increase the likelihood of developing aggressive behaviors and reduce empathy and social skills. Experts argue that the simplistic narratives often portrayed in media can skew how children view the real world. “When kids see themselves as ‘good,’ they may label anyone who disagrees with them as ‘bad,’ which limits their ability to understand different perspectives,” Dr. Thompson explains.
Think about the superheroes we see in films—like Batman and Spider-Man. They often engage in violent actions against villains, and since they are portrayed as the “good guys,” parents may feel their actions are justifiable. But most kids don’t have the cognitive or emotional maturity to grasp these complexities yet.
While some experts, like Dr. Mark Stevens from Stetson University, argue that role-playing violence doesn’t necessarily lead to real-life aggression, many others, including Dr. Sarah Jenkins from the University of Pennsylvania, challenge this view. “This perspective oversimplifies how media influences behavior and ignores the potential harm,” she argues.
It’s unrealistic to think we can completely shield our kids from violence in today’s digital age, but we can take steps to minimize their exposure. One good starting point is to review TV and video game ratings. If something seems unsuitable, parents can take action and warn others about it. Engaging with our kids’ devices allows us to bond, stay informed, and talk about right and wrong as issues arise.
Implementing a rule that kids can only use devices in shared spaces can help too. Sure, they might prefer to stream in their bedrooms, but that can lead to more freedom than they can handle, especially for younger children. Keeping screens out of their rooms helps maintain a peaceful environment and a safe space free from media violence.
If you notice your children trying to dodge screen-time rules or if they show signs of obsession with devices, losing interest in other activities, or becoming secretive, these could be red flags. In such cases, you might need to step up supervision or even seek professional help.
Even with all precautions, it’s inevitable that kids will encounter violence in the media. When they do, it’s a perfect opportunity for parents to discuss real-world consequences and healthy ways to respond.
For those interested in family planning, consider checking out Make a Mom for great resources on at-home insemination options. They offer the only reusable options for those considering this path. If you want to dive deeper into how at-home insemination works, visit How It Works. And if you’re looking for reliable tools for artificial insemination, don’t forget to check out the BabyMaker Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo.
In summary, the impact of media violence on kids is complex. While not all children exposed to violence will become aggressive, it can still influence their behavior and perceptions. As parents, we can take proactive measures to limit their exposure and encourage healthy conversations around what they see.
Leave a Reply