Study on Entertainment Gun Violence Reinforces Need for Media Wisdom
By Movieguide® Contributor
A recent study in JAMA Network Open, an open-access medical journal published by the American Medical Association, found that children exposed to gun violence in media are more likely to handle and shoot guns.
Dr. Suriyadeo Tripathi, Director of the Moral Promotion Centre, explained that when a child doesn’t “have a good life at home or in the community, while they are also exposed to violence in the media, these conditions will create four types of behavior:
“First, [children] will become retaliatory, because they see the whole process in the media. Kids who are depressed and vulnerable are always ready to repeat what they have seen on the screen.”
Second, “some will become paranoid and negative. They will feel that society is not safe,” he adds.
“Third, exposed to this kind of media for a long time, children will feel that it is the societal norm.”
Finally, “they will absorb and learn from the media until they become less kind and less compassionate,” he concludes.
Not only does fictional violence harm children, but Tripathi also suggests that the news media should reduce the number of in-depth details shared in crime reports.
“Some news content could be rated for adults only, but we don’t have parental ratings for the news programs,” he explains. “They broadcast all day, morning, late morning, afternoon, evening, late night, midnight, all day.”
Because of the prevalence of violence in mass media, Tripathi emphasizes the importance of parent involvement in their children’s media literacy.
He shares, “When you are watching a movie with your kids, whether it’s about a war or whatever, please engage in reflective thinking together, instead of just watching it for entertainment.”
He encourages parents to ask their children three questions about the media they consume rather than telling them what to believe.
“First, how do you feel when viewing this kind of content? Second, what did you learn from this kind of content? And, third, what would you do if you were in this situation?”
Tripathi’s research reflects Movieguide®’s investigations on this topic, which reveals that “Thousands of studies have shown that depictions of violence in the mass media can lead to actual violent behavior among consumers of such violence, especially children and teenagers.”
God calls on parents to protect their children. Movieguide® founder Dr. Ted Baehr emphasizes the importance of knowing a child’s stage of development before showing them certain content that could harm their development later on.
“As the research of the National Institute of Mental Health revealed many years ago, some children want to copy media violence, some are susceptible to other media influences, some become afraid, and many become desensitized. Just as an alcoholic would be inordinately tempted by a beer commercial, so certain types of media may tempt or influence your child at his or her specific stage of development,” Dr. Baehr explains.
Dr. Baehr also outlines ten questions parents can use to promote media wisdom:
- What kind of role models, positive and negative, are the main characters?
- Who is the hero? And, who is the villain? And, how do their character traits agree with a biblical hero or villain?
- Do the moral statements and themes agree with a biblical worldview?
- Are real consequences to sin exposed and rebuked?
- How are relationships and love portrayed?
- How are Christians, religion, the church, the Bible, and God portrayed?
- Does the language honor God and people?
- If violence is included, how is it presented?
- If physical romantic activity is included, how is it presented?
- How appropriate is this material for my family and me?
By asking questions like the ones Dr. Baehr and Dr. Tripathi provide, parents can encourage their children to think critically about the media they consume, building life-long habits and protecting them from harmful content.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
