Psychology & Relationships

Early Exposure to Violent Media Linked to Aggression in Teens

A recent study led by Linda Pagani at the Université de Montréal highlights the long-term risks of early exposure to violent media, Earth.com reported.

Analyzing data from nearly 2,000 children, researchers found a significant correlation between watching violent television content in early childhood and antisocial behavior during adolescence.

The study focused on middle-class children, revealing that boys who viewed violent media showed increased aggression at age 15, including physical aggression and theft. In contrast, similar effects were not observed in girls, likely due to lower exposure to violent content.

The research underscores the importance of selecting age-appropriate, non-violent media for children to foster healthier development. By promoting educational and prosocial content, caregivers can help mitigate the potential negative impacts of violent media exposure.

The findings, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, call for public health initiatives to inform parents about the long-lasting consequences of violent media on children’s behavior.

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