Violence as a Social Problem

Violence is a social problem that increases over the years. Violence is not so much shown in magazines and books as it is on television and the media. This does not mean that violence on television is the only source for aggressive or violent behavior, but it is a significant contributor. Children can also pick up violence from a parent or guardian at an early age. Peers are important in a child's life. It has been psychologically proven that males are more aggressive than females. Therefore, if a child's peers are being aggressive, their actions tend to be imitated.

American children watch an average of three to four hours of television daily, which can be a powerful influence in developing value systems and shaping behavior. Hundreds of studies of the effects of media violence on children have found that children may gradually accept violence as a way to solve problems, imitate the violence they observe on television and identify with certain characters, victims or victimizers. Parents can protect their children from excessive television violence by paying attention to the programs their children are watching and restricting them from shows known to be violent, pointing out what is wrong with the program. Another solution to this problem is to explain that the actor has not actually been hurt or killed and such violence in real life results in pain or death.

Children are not born understanding the difference between right and wrong, it is learned from what they hear, see or are taught. At an early age, children look to models such as parents, guardians and even babysitters to base their actions on. Some people fail to see that they are being imitated and looked upon as a role model from those younger than them. If a babysitter is listening to music that contains violent lyrics or profanity, they should not be shocked if the child copies it. Parents' arguments are also taken in by the child. Parents should try not to show violence towards each other when around a child. They should also disapprove of the violent episodes in front of the children, stressing the belief that such behavior is not the best way to resolve a problem.

A child's peers mean a lot to their attitude whether one wants to believe it or not. It blends in with their need to fit in. Popularity is what one hopes and dreams for during their teenage years. Therefore, children try to duplicate others actions. This factor may