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?.
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