The negative effects of television are over exposure to violence, inappropriate sexuality
and offensive language. Research has shown that watching violent television shows can play a role in how violent our children behave. Every year, the amount of violence on television increases. An average child will witness about 12,000 acts of violence on television annually, including murder and rape. More than 1000 studies have concluded that heavy exposure to television violence leads to more aggressive behavior especially in boys. Missouri Western State University did a study in 2003 that looked at children between the ages of 5 to
12 and how they become more violent after watching a violent television program. The children’s behaviour was recorded first and then they were shown a “Tom and Jerry” cartoon. After watching the cartoon their behaviour was recorded again and it was found that they engaged in more violent behaviour. Television shows are becoming more sexualized in content and send the wrong message that it is okay to engage in these behaviours in the real world. During the 20 yearsbetween 1976 and 1996, there was a 270% increase in sexual interactions during the traditional; family viewing hour of 8pm to 9pm. These sexual
interactions are telling children that they are without risks, normal and ‘everyone does it.’ Rarely do televisions shows show the negative side of such behaviours such as sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Many advertisements for such things as
toys, fatty and sugary foods send the wrong message to children about their eating habits and what they want their parents to buy them. Commercials for healthy foods only account for 4% of the food advertisements shown during children’s programming. These values will influence their choices as they get older and become consumers themselves. These negative values established in childhood will influence them to buy unnecessary and unaffordable products as they get older. Teens can be influenced by alcohol advertising and the ‘cool’ image
portrayed. They rarely show the downside of abusing alcohol, such as addiction and health problems. Also, by watching too much television it can affect a child’s learning and performance in school. The average Canadian child will watch approximately fourteen hours of television each week. By the end of high school, they will have spent more time watching television than attending school. Due to these lengthy hours children are not using their time to engage in important activities such as, playing, reading, doing schoolwork, leaning to
talk, socializing, and developing other important skills. Too much television is also taking time away from exercising and outdoor activities causing them to be less physically fit. By watching television we are more prone to eat unhealthy food that is high in fat and sugar. Unhealthy eating practices shown by children’s favourite celebrities can contribute to eating disorders.

Music Videos

Music videos can influence children by their violent nature. More than half of the videos show violence against women and ¾ show sexually explicit materials. Many videos show women in unequal roles. Many music videos show stereotypes which can influence children’s attitudes towards other races and relationships. Music lyrics themselves have become worse over the years with their constant inappropriate language and references to violence, drugs and sex.

Video Games

Video games, like television, can be negative because they can promote inactivity, anti-social behaviour and violence if played excessively. A 2001 study showed that video games that were rated for all ages contained 64% intentional violence and 60% of the games provided rewards for injuring a character.

All of these media examples are leading to children being desensitized and their negative
emotional reactions to decline. This causes them to be unable to process what they are witnessing in a healthy manner.

Television can be a useful tool in teaching children about the world. Some television programs encourage viewers to visit the zoo, libraries, bookstores, museums and parks in order to increase their learning.PBS’ long time running program, Sesame Street has been teaching children important lessons about cooperation, kindness, numbers and the alphabet since 1969. This show has helped to improve children’s reading and learning skills. The Electric Company helped teach elementary school children grammar and reading skills when they were too old for Sesame Street. Some video games can help children to develop their fine motor skills and coordination. For students who are struggling with media there are programs available to help them understand it.

Prosocial Behaviours

Altruism is the first example of prosocial behaviour. Altruism is putting someone else’s needs above your own and helping them. Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood is an example of a show that models altruism when Mr. Rogers helped his puppet friends in the Land of Make Believe when they had a problem. Social interaction is an example of prosocial behaviour. When families watch television together they have more physical contact and could discuss the morals of the show they are watching. Repeated exposure to a show that models prosocial behaviour can have a lasting impact with children. A study where 3 to 5 year olds watched 15 minutes of either Sesame Street or Mister Rogers' Neighborhood in their preschool
showed that watching Mister Rogers increased the amount of social contact with other children in the classroom. It also showed an increase in children’s ability to praise and give affection to other classmates. Sesame Street also had a positive effect on children with low social skills. Acceptance of Others is another prosocial behaviour that can be developed through educational
programing that is diverse. Examples are Sesame Street and Dora the Explorer who portray people of different races and ethnic backgrounds. It has been shown that the preschoolers who regularly viewed Sesame Street had a more positive attitude towards people of different groups.