The saying "the children are our future" has been repeated so often it has become cliche, but there is truth in the words that echoes beyond the mundane. an additional one euphemism can be used when discussing our nation's youth, "we reap what we sow." This isn't meant as a threat or in a derogatory manner, rather, it is meant as a wake up call. A call to action.
Before delving into the meat of this first narrative let's begin with some perspective. The bullet points below are to make you pause and reflect on the direction we're taking as a society. (Long-term effects of repeated exposure to media violence in childhood. & Longitudinal relations in the middle of children's exposure to Tv violence and their aggressive and violent behavior in young adulthood)
- 8 hours a day: the approximate time spent on electronic media (Tv, smart phone, games, internet)
- 12.5 million: number of 2 - 19 year olds that are obese in the United States (17%)
- 1 in every 400 children have diabetes
- 5.2 million: children ever diagnosed with Adhd
- practically 1 in 4 high school graduates cannot pass the Asvab (basic Army test) with a minimum score
- 75% of 17 - 24 don't qualify for soldiery assistance due to being unfit, criminal record, didn't graduate high school
- 16% of all youth deaths: Homicide
- 12% of all youth death: Suicide
The numbers are telling and most are indicative of a worsening trend. It is not all doom and gloom however. It's not my intent to fear monger. Instead it's my intent to reflect on current trends and look at some of the root causes that lead to increased designate drug usage, obesity, violence, Add / Adhd, and whole uncontrollable behavior.
This narrative will look at the role of media and its influence on our youth. Children now spend on median eight hours a day watching Tv, surfing the internet, playing video games, texting, chatting etc. This is the same as a full work day! Assuming these children are going to school and not allowed while classroom hours to watch Tv and play games, then one can end a majority of time before and after class is spent in front of an electronic device. The majority of this off-time is one where a responsible adult is likely watching over them.
What are the problems of too much exposure to violent media? The first and most distinct response by many is that a lack of rehearsal often leads to increased weight gain. Sitting in front of a Tv, computer, game console, all involve a lack of movement on the participators part. Excessive stimulation makes it harder for a child to focus for longer periods. Exposure to graphic violence through media shapes young minds, influencing behavior, levels of violence, stress loads, and their ability to combine (This Is Your Brain On Violent Media). It is this last point where I'll spend the most time developing in this first article.
Multiple studies have been carried out in many countries, learning the effects of violent media exposure (and if you pay attentiveness it becomes apparent that a majority of our media is violent, violent games, violence in the news, violent Tv shows, violent movies, violent music). The sheer number of studies makes it harder to refute the clear preponderance of evidence. The evidence indicates Excessive exposure to media violence is detrimental to normal brain functioning and detrimental to the normal development of a child.
What are the effects of violent media on my child? Numerous studies have shown that exposure to violent media (of any form, although video games appear to be the worst) leads to increased levels of aggression, violent behavior, abnormal development of the brain, desensitization, and decreased levels of pity for others. A four-year-old cannot distinguish in the middle of fact and fantasy and will often imitate the violence they see. At risk youth, children in poverty, those with only one working parent, or those living in more violent neighborhoods, are more at risk.
Keep in mind there have been many independent studies showing the links in the middle of unwanted behavior and specific forms of media, but few studies have looked at the culminating effects of all violent media consumed by children over a longer duration of time. Base sense would dictate that if exposure to small amounts of violent media has short-term and long-term effects, then greater exposure to violent media would have detrimental effects that are worse in duration and magnitude.
Food for thought: Tvs didn't become Base in the household until the 1950s. while this time Tv programming was more strongly regulated by the Fcc. Most programming was house oriented. By the 1960s a slew of new shows came on the air and the introduction of more 'violent' (for the time) Tv shows was introduced. 1966 was the year of the first school massacre (shooting).
Are the effects reversible? There is good news here. The human body and mind are quite resilient. Most damage is rarely permanent. Investigate is ongoing into long-term effects, therefore the exact effects of distance of exposure and recovery time are still being understood. Despite the lack of longer-term studies, there have been studies showing the improvement of youngsters who sell out their violent media exposure. combine reduced media exposure with rehearsal and a good diet to see more drastic improvements in mental, emotional, and physical health of your child.
What can I do to help my child? You can sell out their exposure to media violence. Remember as a parent or guardian you are the one responsible for what they watch, play, and do. It is often easier to set a child in front of a television, keep them entertained and when they get too uncontrollable or overweight, seek out a pill to fix the problem. This "solution" and pattern can have long-term consequences for the personel child and for community as a whole. Instead play games, indoors and outdoors. Encourage non-violent-media associated entertainment. A great source for added information on how to help sell out media in your child's life: http://www.takethechallengenow.net.
What are the biggest challenges to reducing media exposure? Likely ourselves. We are our own worst enemies. As adults we generate excuses for our children (and ourselves). We account for their current levels of media exposure (and year after year this number has been increasing). We would rather watch Tv and eat evening meal than sit around a table and socialize. We think removing the Tv from a child's bedroom is unfair and a punishment.
How do I overcome the challenges of reducing media exposure? This is no small task for some. As a community we have become addicted to media of all sorts and either we will admit it or not, many of us are dependent upon media as a form of release. We pass this addiction on to our children and they become part of our rationalization. It is still inherent to make improvements and lead a happy life. First, try reducing the number of time in front of an electronic gismo by an hour each day. Gently growth that number as you comprehend there are other activities that are equally fun. Go outdoors! Try walking, playing Frisbee, catch, or any of a myriad of games that exist. Your kids will benefit from the exercise, fresh air, sunlight, and will literally grow to enjoy and prefer the attentiveness of their parents as opposed to that of a social media site. Try playing games. Many games force real human to human social interaction and have been shown to stimulate and help the developing mind. Set aside some quiet time to read a book. The quiet time helps the mind unwind, relax, and prepares the body for sleep.
1. Huesmann Lr, Miller Ls. Long-term effects of repeated exposure to media violence in childhood. In: Huesmann Lr, editor. Aggressive Behavior: Current Perspectives.New York: Plenum Press; 1994. Pp. 153-86.
2. Huesmann Lr, Moise-Titus J, Podolski Cl, et al. Longitudinal relations in the middle of children's exposure to Tv violence and their aggressive and violent behavior in young adulthood: 1977-1992. Dev Psychol. 2003;39:201-21.
3. "This Is Your Brain On Violent Media." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 06 Dec. 2007. Web. 01 May 2012. 8. "Timeline of School Shootings." Us News. U.S.News & World Report, 15 Feb. 2008. Web. 01 May 2012.
total stranger Violence - Where Do Children Learn It? total stranger
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