Violence in the media

It is difficult to avoid violence in the media. Games, films, social media and YouTube show many different ways of hurting other people, using force and offending others. Violence can be portrayed in the media in many different ways.

Viewers react to violence individually. Children’s reactions to violent content also vary.

Children’s reactions are influenced by factors such as:

• the child’s age
• how the violence is depicted
• the situation in which the child is when they see the violent content
• the child’s temperament
• the child’s sense of security and the comfort they receive

It is important to adhere to age restrictions. It is the responsibility of adults to protect children from media content that is inappropriate for their age and level of development. Seeing violence in the media can be harmful to children, especially if they are exposed to it repeatedly and the violence is depicted realistically. Seeing a single violent scene is unlikely to disrupt a child’s development and life, especially if a close adult quickly restores their sense of security.

The effects of violence in the media vary greatly depending on the child. Seeing content that is too brutal or disturbing can be difficult even for adults and cause feelings of fear and anxiety. Extensive exposure to violent content and violence experienced by the child may cause the child to behave aggressively, be worried, anxious or fearful.

1. Talk to the child about violent content in a way that is appropriate for their age. Do not downplay or dismiss the child’s feelings. Offer them comfort and reassurance.
2. Ask the child and talk about what kind of content they have seen. If the content is fictional, explain to the child that this kind of violence is scripted and staged.
3. Talk about and explain the consequences of violence to the child. What would happen if this were done to someone in real life?
4. Explain how unlikely it is that what is shown in films, on television, in games or in video clips will happen in real life.
5. Teach your child ways to resolve conflicts.
6. Observe how your child experiences and processes the violence they see in films, on television or in games. Does it make them fearful, jumpy, anxious or aggressive?
7. Monitor whether seeing violence affects the child’s sleep, eating habits or play, for example.

Read also:  How to talk to children about violent news stories

Questions you could ask:

• Is everything okay?
• Would you like to talk about what you saw?
• What thoughts or feelings does it bring up?
• What was particularly scary?
• What do you think about this kind of violence?
• What do you think the consequences could be if something like this actually happened?
• Is it right for someone to hurt another person?

Even if a child’s fear or anxiety is temporary, it is important that adults do not leave children alone with their feelings. A frightened child needs adult support, security and closeness when processing their feelings. When a child is able to share their difficult feelings with a parent, and the adult helps them face and process those feelings, the child gradually learns to manage strong emotions in their own way.

For the balanced development of a child’s emotions, it is ideal if the parent can convey to the child that fear is an emotion like any other and that even unpleasant things can be talked about. Everyone is afraid sometimes. When the child receives security, comfort and understanding, they will have the courage to express their fears in the future and also learn to process their fears. Usually, a parent’s understanding and support is enough when a child is afraid: with parental support, a child can tolerate the feeling of fear, which will then gradually subside and disappear.