It seems that violence on television does contribute to aggressive behavior, yet it is important to note that television is only one of many causes of aggression (Gunter and McAleer, 1990). Many other factors unrelated to television influence violence, and the specific impact of televised violence is dependent upon age, sex, family practices, and the way violence is presented. One statement is often repeated: television has major effects on a small number of individuals, and little effect on a large number of people. In the future, the questions and approaches will continue to evolve, and currently, groups funded by both the cable and network industries are examining levels of violence in order to provide better information on the type of violence being shown on television.
References
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). (April, 1999). Children and TV Violence. AACAP Facts for Families Journal, No.13.
Beckman, Jeanne. (1996). Television Violence: What the Research Says About Its Effect on Young Children. Retrieved from the Internet at http://www.jeannebeckman.com/page18.html.
Gunter, Barrie, and Jill L. McAleer. (1990). Children and Television: The One Eyed Monster? New York: Routledge.
Huston, a.C., Donnerstein, E., Fairchild, H., Feshbach, N.D., Katz, P.A., Murray, J.P. Rubinstein, E.A., Wilcox, B. & Zuckerman, D. (1992). Big World, Small Screen: The Role of Television in American Society. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press.
Szaflik, Kevin. (May 3, 2000). Violence on TV: The Desensitizing of America. Ridgewood. Retrieved from the Internet at http://www.ridgenet.org/szaflik/tvrating.htm.
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