Teens are exposed to violence in many different ways. While considerable attention has been
focused on community and gang violence, a significant number of teens are exposed to
domestic violence and/or are victims of abuse in their own home. An increasing number of
today’s teens have experienced bullying, cyber bullying (bullying via cell phones and the
Internet), and aggressive behavior from their peers. The average American teen spends more
than 70 hours a week with some form of media (Internet, television, and video games, etc.), and
a growing body of research indicates that high doses of media violence can compromise
learning and increase aggressive behaviors.