TV violence linked to child behaviour

VIOLENT images seen on television and in computer games can increase aggressive behaviour in young children, according to a new study.

Scientists found that violent imagery in the media had a “substantial” short-term effect on children’s arousal, thoughts and emotions.

Kevin Browne and Catherine Hamilton-Giachritsis, from the University of Birmingham, analysed data from six North American studies, which looked at the effects of media violence on children.

They found consistent evidence that young children who watched television and films and played video games showed more aggressive play and behaviour.

The study, which is published in The Lancet magazine, found the effect was “small but significant” and especially relevant for boys.

The evidence was less consistent when considering older children and teenagers and the long-term effects on all ages. The review acknowledged that family and social factors were likely to affect a child’s response to violent imagery.

One UK study found that the effects of film violence were greater in young people who had grown up in violent families.

However, the researchers found that violent imagery had an effect regardless of socio-economic status, intelligence, and parenting, suggesting that some of the influence is independent of other factors.

The authors of the report said large samples were needed to find out whether violence in the media leads to violent criminal behaviour.

Professor Browne said: “Parents and care-givers might be recommended to exercise the same care with adult media entertainment as they do medication or chemicals around the home.

“Carelessness with material that contains extreme violent and sexual imagery might even be regarded as a form of emotional maltreatment of the child.”