Councilman Claude Mattox's Monthly Newsletter Column November 2007
Violence in the media has negative impact on children
Media outlets are more popular than ever today as the average American youth spends more that 45 hours per week watching television and movies, playing video games, surfing the Internet and listening to music.
As part of this media, children will witness an average of 40,000 killings and 200,000 violent incidents by the age of 18.
Many scientific studies have been conducted by groups such as the Surgeon General’s Office and the National Institute of Mental Health all with the conclusion that violence in the media increases levels of aggression among youth. As kids grow older, this aggression increases as a risk factor for further violent behavior.
As parents, educators, community leaders and members, it is important that we don’t let violence become an accepted form of conflict management for our children. Children should also not become desensitized to violence and violent behavior and it is the parent’s responsibility to monitor this, but parents are not alone. The community must take a more active role in helping parents reach out to children to teach them what are and what are not acceptable types of media. Parents and the community can work together by attending Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings and working with the schools by participating in classroom programs or mentoring initiatives like Big Brothers, Big Sisters or my School to Work Program. Become a sports coach, tutor or participate in one of many other constructive alternatives.
By showing youth more positive media alternatives they will be less likely to act out violently now or in the future, benefiting the entire community. I urge parents to pay attention to what children are listening to, viewing and playing. Take a stand and let children know violence in the media or in reality is unacceptable, and that educational alternatives are fun and just as entertaining. There also are other activities to participate in such as sports, clubs and after-school programs that are not media-related, but allow youth to interact with one another in a healthy environment.
This month I will be attending the 2007 National League of Cities where violence in the media will be discussed with some of our nation’s leaders. The topic is being raised as concerns are heightening due to the increase of technology available to children. Today is a 24/7, on-demand media environment and it is important that kids are not negatively influenced by this.
Parents need to raise children in a healthy, non-violent environment, and we as a community need to support parents with this initiative to ensure a safe future for our community. Children are the future and we as elders need to protect them from violence in the media and all around us. Look to start using things like parental controls for the television and Internet and do not purchase or give children money to purchase violent video games and music. Monitor what children are exposed to and sign them up for alternative activities that get them outside and having fun with other kids.
For more resources on violence in the media visit, www.ncl.org/iyef/media_violence.aspx or www.pta.org/mediatechnology.
If you have questions or comments about this or any other topic or issue, call Councilman Mattox’s office at 602-262-7446 or send an e-mail to council.district.5@phoenix.gov.