A new study led by researchers at the University of Montreal has uncovered concerning long-term effects of exposure to violent television content during preschool years. The research indicates that boys who watched violent programmes between the ages three to five are at a higher risk of developing antisocial behaviours in their mid-teens.
Key Findings
- Link to Antisocial Behaviour: Boys exposed to violent screen content in early childhood were found to exhibit increased aggressive behaviours, including hitting, stealing, and involvement in violent gangs by the age of 15.
- Gender-Specific Impact: The study specifically highlighted that the negative effect on boys, with no similar patterns observed among girls. Researchers noted that boys typically consume more violent content than girls, which may explain this disparity.
- Study Population: The study analysed data from 1,945 children enrolled in the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development, tracking their media exposure and behavioural outcomes over a decade.
- Behavioural Risk Factors: Emotional instability, poor academic performance, and aggressive or disruptive classroom behaviour were also identified as contributing factors to the likelihood of forming antisocial behaviours in adolescence.
- Call for Public Health Initiatives: Lead researcher Linda Pagani emphasised the urgent need for public health campaigns aimed at informing parents and communities about the potential serious, long-lasting consequences of early exposure to media violence.
The findings in this study underscore the importance of monitoring children’s media consumption and promoting awareness of the potential impact of violent content on their development.
For more details, you can read the full article here: Violence on TV: What happens to children who watch?.
Health and Wellness products and services that may be of interest:
Get a special discount by quoting code AISLMALL during CHECKOUT.
Allied Health School Services Program
In 2023, ISS and OST Therapy launched the Allied Health School Services Program. Together, we’ve built a team of certified, multi-lingual allied health professionals who quickly identify, assess, and support students with speech, language, learning, social, emotional, psychological, and behavioural challenges. Our goal is to enhance students’ communication skills and academic performance. Our team of allied health professionals offers unique insights that significantly benefit students with learning difficulties or disabilities.
Caritas – Counselling Services
Caritas Family Service, a non-profit organization serving the community for over 65 years, offers comprehensive professional development opportunities. These include clinical supervision, “Evidence-Based” counselling skills training, professional personality test training, and training sessions hosted by partner agencies. Through these diverse learning initiatives, Caritas empowers its professionals to provide impactful social services to individuals and families.
iLiving International
iLiving is a holistic wellness centre that offers integrated services for personal transformation. They provide a comprehensive approach to address both physical and mental health, focusing on modalities like bioresonance, life coaching, family constellations, and more to help clients achieve optimal well-being. The founder Anita S K Cheung has been recognised as one of Hong Kong’s Most Inspiring Residents and voted Best Alternative Healer multiple times. With her experience growing up as an unconventional child, Anita is passionate in bringing out the unique genius in her young clients.
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG)
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) spreads over 148 hectares of land on the northern slopes of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s highest mountain. Surrounded by towering peaks, the site is rich with natural features, including streams, woodlands, orchards, vegetable gardens, walking trails, live animal exhibits, floral exhibits, sustainable agriculture demonstration plots, art exhibits, the Wild Animal Rescue Centre(WARC), a native tree nursery, conservation and education facilities, and magical, misty fern gardens.
Mindfulabs
Dr. Christopher Willard from Mindfulabs is a leading psychologist, author, and speaker specializing in mindfulness and mental health. A faculty member at Harvard Medical School, he has spent over two decades working with children, adolescents, and adults, offering practical, science-based approaches to enhance emotional well-being. Dr. Willard’s expertise lies in integrating mindfulness into education, parenting, and mental health care, making him a sought-after speaker and consultant worldwide.
