Study group report on the impact of television violence on adolescents

VioLit summary: OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study by Hoberman was to show a general view of what consequences TV violence has on adolescent anti-social behavior. METHODOLOGY: A non-experimental intensive review of the literature was done followed by a study group consisting of seven experts in the field of media and violence. FINDINGS/DISCUSSION: TV and other media did not provide an accurate mirror of society, especially in regard to conflict resolution. Media portrayals of violent behavior were problematic. Adolescents were both the perpetrators and the victims of a disproportionate number of antisocial acts relative the their proportion of the population. Since the media can be a powerful socializing force, it should strive to be health promoting. AUTHOR'S RECOMMENDATIONS: The author concluded that studies were needed to determine if and how media portrayals of violence have changed over the last 30 years. The author also argued that more content analyses were needed and that studies should be done that determine high risk groups. More research was needed on the "cultivation effect." The author concluded that these efforts were needed: 1) evaluation and identification of possible alternatives to violent portrayals in the media, 2) development and refining of programs that mediate media experiences, 3) creation of opportunities for media personnel, advertising agencies, corporate sponsors, and researchers in the area of adolescent health to exchange information and concerns, 4) encouragement for the communications industry to incorporate role models to portray constructive conflict resolution techniques, 5) scheduling of violent or sexual programs at times when adolescents are unlikely to be watching, 6) increasing of supervision of adolescents renting videos, and 7) telling kids that what they see on TV is not reality. The family was seen as the best medium in which to teach this. Education of teachers and other professionals who deal with adolescents about the effects of the media was also suggested. EVALUATION: This article is somewhat unique in that it focuses on adolescents rather than, as many have, on young children. The article expresses many ideas on how the effect that violence in the media can be lessened. An educational approach within the school, directed toward adolescents, is an interesting approachoone which needs more research. However, some of what this article advocates would be difficult to implement. There are several suggestions about what the television executives and planners should do, but these have been the most resistant to change because violence sells, and it sells big. It's going to take a great deal to change their minds. Also, while the adolescent poses a greater risk and need for intervention than younger children, the nature of adolescents and the ingraining of learned aggression will be very difficult to overcome. Nevertheless, this article has given both the research and applied fields something to think about. (CSPV Abstract - Copyright © 1992-2007 by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Institute of Behavioral Science, Regents of the University of Colorado) N1 - Call Number: F-296, AB-296 KW - Exposure to Violence KW - Media Violence Effects KW - Television Viewing KW - Television Violence KW - Juvenile Antisocial Behavior KW - Juvenile Behavior KW - Behavior Causes Language: en