as a mother, i have been worried about this issue ever since my son was a toddler. it seemed that everywhere we went, David was being enticed to watch or participate in some act of make-believe violence: violent arcade games at pizza restaurents war movies shown at video rental stores; previews ar movie theaters; computer games at friends houses.
I set about finding the answers to these questions, and the results so alarmed me that I decided to quit my job as a journalist and devote my life to this issue.
The first thing I learned is this: whereas aggression is a part of human nature, violence is a learned behavior. Children learn violent behavior and values by imitation, like they learn everything else.
The second thing I learned is that children who are under the age of eight cannot separate fact from fiction: That is why they worry about monsters under their beds. This is also the that children may not understand why it is acceptable for television charecters to continually hit, kick and shoot each other - but it is not acceptable for children to behave in this way in school.
In a report called violence and youth, the American Psychological Association has concluded that: Children's exposure to violence in the mass media, particularry at young ages, can have harmful lifelong consequences. Aggressive habits learned early in life are the foundation for later behavior. As a mother, I found these to be frightening conclusions. What are we as parents teachig our young children when we allow them to watch violent programming and play with violent toys ang games? What kinds of messages are we sending to our youngest, most vulnerable children?
Although watching television or movie violence is harmful to children, they are participating in the murder and destruction-and they receive points for their violent actions.
This "entertainment" teaches children that violence and destruction are fun, that shooting doesn't kill or even hurt. Researchers have demonstrated that young children become more aggressive after playing violent video games, or watching violent television programs.
That's why I started the lion and lamb Project. It is one effort to help parents to understand these issues - and take action. We produce a Parent action Kit, Which includes research and other useful information. We have also produced a how-to guide for schools and other organizations. We also help sponsor events called peaceable play days, where families are reintroduced to fun, free activities that do not involve either violence or television. these activities require the adults in the community to share their hobbies and favorite childhood pastimes with today's youngsters, to show that it is possible to have lots of fun without playing games based on violence.
don't you agree kids today need more positive influences?
Work with a partner. find