In the vast majority of homes, the television is on for most of the day or at least for some time. But every day the TV turns on a couple of times. What's more, Many children relax in front of the television. and they enjoy their favorite programs, often without their parents constantly supervising what they watch.
When these programs are rich in aggressive scenes and conflicts resolved with blows or shouting, Television violence can have a lasting impact on their developmentFor this reason, researchers have been wondering for decades how violent content influences the behavior of children and adolescents, both in the short and long term. In an attempt to prove or disprove this correlation, specialists in pediatrics, psychology, child psychiatry, and communication sciences have studied this phenomenon and its consequences in detail. The results are very important for parents to take into account. and can make informed decisions about screen time at home.
Impact of violence on television
During childhood, many children watch television and, with it, are exposed to a great deal of explicit or implicit violence. Before reaching adulthood, young people will have seen over 200.000 acts of violence on screen (hundreds of thousands according to various estimates), including series, cartoons, movies, news programs, social media videos, and video games. This massive exposure can profoundly influence their value system, their relationships with others, and how they understand the world around them.
Studies that analyzed these figures showed that It is not only the excessive amount of violence that impacts childrenbut also the context: who perpetrates the violence, whether they receive reward or punishment, whether the real consequences of the harm are shown, and how the other characters react. Furthermore, several longitudinal studies indicate that this continued exposure is associated with greater likelihood of aggressive behavior in adulthoodeven years after having stopped consuming violent content.
Children are very impressionable beings and, due to their stage of development, They are more likely to become desensitized to the pain of others. than adults. By repeatedly witnessing violent scenes, children may come to see them as normal, funny, or inevitable. When violence appears as something commonplace, glamorized, or without consequences, the message they receive is that aggression is an acceptable way of relating or to resolve conflicts.
For this reason, it is very important that parents monitor what their children watch on television, but also the content of video games, social networks and videos they consume on computers, tablets or smartphoneswhere supervision is often less frequent and access to extreme images is very easy. Today, online violence arrives not only through traditional television, but also through video platforms, online games, messaging services, and constantly updated news outlets.
In addition to aggression, experts have detected other worrying effects linked to online violence: increased fear, anxiety, and sadness They perceive the world as dangerous and experience difficulty sleeping after being exposed to highly shocking or realistic scenes. These effects can be more intense in children who already experience stressful situations at home or in their environment, or who are particularly sensitive.
Violent content has also been linked to physical health problems and unhealthy habitsExcessive screen time often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, greater exposure to unhealthy food advertisements, and a tendency to snack between meals, increasing the risk of childhood overweight and obesity. Spending many hours in front of violent screens also means less time for active play, sports, and outdoor activities.
Reason for impact
Children feel the effects of violence on television more than adults because they lack the real-world experience that helps them interpret what they seeThey are still building their references to understand what is acceptable and what is not in daily life, and the media easily becomes another model, sometimes more influential than their own close environment.
In the first years of life, moreover, They are not fully capable of separating what is reality from what is fiction.Animated characters who hit, shoot, or humiliate others can seem as real to children as the people around them. This causes the violence they see on screen to have a double impact: they experience it as something that really happens and, at the same time, as a valid form of entertainment.
When children see things on a screen, they think they are really happening, or at least that they are possible in their daily lives, so They may have difficulty understanding that televised violence is manipulated.dramatized or exaggerated. They may also have difficulty understanding that, in the real world, violence has consequences that are almost never shown on screen: lasting pain, physical or psychological aftereffects, legal problems, and social rejectionIn many shows, the wounds disappear in the next scene, the characters return to normal in seconds, or they are even applauded for "defeating" the enemy.
It should not be forgotten that virtual violence is not limited to punches or gunshots. Insults, humiliation, threats, racist or hateful messages The violence that appears on social media, reality shows, or videos is also a form of abuse. This type of verbal or psychological aggression can deeply damage a child's sensitivity and serve as a model for their own ways of relating to others. Furthermore, cyberbullying and aggressive comments can trigger... mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness.
The speed at which images and messages are presented also matters. Children and teenagers receive a large amount of information in a very short timeThis makes it difficult for them to process, question, or reflect on it. This, in turn, allows certain values, such as body worship, the trivialization of sex, and the normalization of violence, to become internalized without critical analysis.
They imitate what they see
Just as young children try to repeat the words others say or the actions they see in their parents or role models, They also often imitate the violence they see on television and in video gamesThe science of social learning has shown that a basic way to learn is by observing behavior and its consequences. If a character gets what they want by hitting, shooting, or humiliating another, the child can learn that this is an effective strategy.
Because the real consequences of these actions are rarely shown, Children may believe that if they imitate these behaviors there will be no negative consequencesNeither for themselves nor for others. In these stories, many violent heroes emerge unscathed, receiving awards, recognition, or fame. This reinforces the message that aggression can be a valid tool for resolving conflicts, defending one's honor, or gaining attention. In some video games, moreover, the player is the one who carries out the violent act, which can increase emotional involvement and the feeling of control over the aggression.
The researchers talk about “vicarious reinforcements” When children observe that a violent person is rewarded or at least not punished, these reinforcements make it more likely that the child will copy that pattern. The same is true in reverse: when violence is clearly condemned, victims receive support, and the aggressor faces clear consequences, children tend to reject those behaviors instead of imitating them. That's why analyzing together what happens in the story can change the effect of the content.
That's why it's so important to educate children through positive disciplinewhere consequences are presented clearly and respectfully, and where children are able to understand that all actions have effects: some desirable and others harmful. The more they are taught peaceful alternatives for resolving arguments, the easier it will be for them to question what they see on screen and not simply copy it without thinking.
It has also been observed that children who already have difficulty controlling themselves, who live in conflictive family environments, or who have suffered direct violence, They are especially vulnerable to copying the aggression they see in the mediaIn these cases, violent television or video games can further reinforce a pattern of behavior that was already at risk, increasing the likelihood of bullying, fights, and hostile behavior.
They learn to react in different situations in a negative way
As children grow, they build “mental scripts” about how to act in different social situations: what to do when someone provokes me, how to defend a friend, how to react to a mean joke or a conflict in the schoolyard. These scripts are based on what they see at home, at school, with their peers, and also in the media.
The development of these patterns is necessary for children to learn how to cope in everyday life, but it is crucial that Let the adults in their lives show them examples of respect, dialogue, and self-controlAnd not television, through programs that are not always age-appropriate. When the conflicts they observe are always resolved with shouting, hitting, or humiliation, they internalize these responses as normal and then carry them into their daily lives.
News, violent programs, or even some cartoons that are not age-appropriate can have a negative impact on these cognitive scripts. Instead of internalizing values such as empathy, cooperation, or negotiation, children may learn that the law of the strongest prevailsthat revenge is justified or that showing toughness is the only way to earn the respect of others. This type of message can also influence sexist, racist or discriminatory attitudes when the media reinforces gender or power stereotypes.
When children see conflicts that are always resolved with violence, They develop the idea that this is the usual way of dealing with problems.This does not mean that all of them will become aggressors, but it does increase the likelihood that they will respond with pushing, insults, or threats in situations where they could use other strategies. Continuous exposure to teasing, humiliation, and aggression has also been linked to a higher risk of bullying and cyberbullying, both as victims and aggressors.
Studies have also linked exposure to online violence with mental health problems such as anxiety and depressionSome children begin to perceive the world as a hostile place, feeling constantly in danger or believing that "anything bad can happen at any moment." This pessimistic and fearful view can affect their emotional well-being, sleep, and school performance, especially if they lack adults to help them process what they see and differentiate between reality and fiction.
In addition, using violent screens in the bedroom or just before going to sleep is associated with poorer sleep qualityMore frequent nighttime awakenings, nightmares, and difficulty falling asleep. And the lack of rest, in turn, can increase irritability, moodiness, and impulsivity, creating a vicious cycle that further complicates daily life.
Other risks of excessive screen time
Television violence almost never appears in isolation. It is usually accompanied by other content that can also pose a risk to child and adolescent development. Among these, the following stand out: risk behaviors related to substance useMany programs, films, and video games present alcohol, tobacco, or drugs as something fun, glamorous, or without serious consequences, which can awaken curiosity and a desire to imitate in young people.
Early exposure to explicit or superficial sexual content It can also influence how teenagers understand romantic relationships. If television and social media portray sex as detached from respect, consent, and mutual care, young people may develop a distorted image that increases risky behaviors and pressure regarding body image and physical appearance.
Another issue that worries experts is the advertising overloadMany children don't distinguish between content and advertisements, and they don't understand that advertising aims to sell products and create needs. As a result, they are exposed to persistent messages that associate happiness with consumption, encourage the desire for violent toys or video games, and reinforce the idea that "having more" is synonymous with success or popularity.
Furthermore, intensive screen use can distract from important tasks such as homework, reading, or studying, and reduce quality family time. When the television is always on or mobile phones accompany every moment of the day, it is more difficult to have deep conversations, play together, or share activities that strengthen emotional bonds.
Finally, spending many hours in front of violent or highly stimulating content can affect the Capacity of attention and concentrationChildren and teenagers accustomed to rapid changes in appearance and intense emotions may find it boring or costly to maintain attention on slower tasks, such as reading a book, listening in class, or carrying out long-term projects.
It is crucial to prevent violence
Parents and caregivers are the most influential people in children's lives, because in addition to being their main role models, They are the ones who can guide the healthy use of screensThis doesn't mean banning all content that includes conflict, but rather learning to select, guide, and contextualize what they watch. The key is to reduce the amount of violence, explain what they see, and offer healthier leisure alternatives.
Parents should monitor the television their children watch and select programs that, in addition to not being rich in violence, offer content appropriate for their developmental stageAge ratings, expert reviews, and parental control tools can be very helpful, but they never replace direct involvement: ideally, children should ask permission before watching a new show or downloading a video game, and adults should evaluate it beforehand.
In the case of young children, pediatricians and specialized organizations recommend completely avoid violent contentEven if it seems cartoonish. Young children don't easily distinguish between fantasy and reality, and for them, exaggerated bumps or falls can be just as shocking as more realistic scenes. It's best if their media intake consists of calm, educational content appropriate for their age.
When children see violence on television, for example in the news or on some program, it is a good idea for parents to minimize the impact by talking to them And calmly explaining the difference between reality and fiction, as well as the context of what happened. This helps children realize that what they see on television doesn't always reflect their daily lives and that, while there are very difficult events, there are also many people helping and protecting others.
There are practical steps that can make a real difference:
- Limit screen time daily, especially at early ages, always prioritizing active play, reading and face-to-face interaction.
- Use parental controls and configure devices to restrict access to violent or inappropriate content for minors.
- Watching or playing with the children with some frequency to find out what they consume, how they react and what they think about it.
- Talk about what they seeasking how they feel about the aggressive scenes and sharing family values such as respect, kindness, and tolerance.
- Design a family screen time planwith schedules, clear rules, and spaces free of devices (such as bedrooms or the table during meals).
Furthermore, it is useful limit the presence of screens in the bedroom Children or teenagers. When the television, tablet, or phone is in the bedroom, it is more difficult to control the content, respect sleep hours, and avoid unnecessary exposure to violent or disturbing images during the night.
Your children may also ask you about the violence they see on television; in that case, it is necessary that Be honest about what's happening in the worldBut always choosing words and explanations adapted to their age and level of understanding. It's not about making children feel constant fear, but about helping them understand that, although violent events exist, Real violence is never justified and always has consequencesYou can also take the opportunity to talk about people and projects that work for peace, aid, and solidarity.
The key is to educate our children through respect for others and lovealong with tolerance, empathy, and assertiveness. There is a lot of violence on television and in other media because it is widely accepted socially and because it generates an audience, but At home, you are the one who sets the limits and values.Selecting better content, accompanying what they watch, and offering alternative models of conflict resolution makes television and screens safer tools and, in many cases, even educational.
Media violence is not the sole cause of behavioral problems, but it adds to other risk factors such as abuse, neglect, a hostile environment, or substance abuse. Therefore, it is important to reduce media exposure and increase positive experiences of play, dialogue, and affection within the family. It is one of the most powerful ways to protect children's emotional and social well-beingBy being mindful of what comes into your home through screens, you also take care of how your children see the world and relate to those around them.
A home where content is discussed openly, clear limits are set, and healthy leisure alternatives are offered is an environment in which children can grow and develop critical thinking, sensitivity to the suffering of others, and trust to manage what they see in the media without it determining their way of being.