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Reasoning with Children About Violent Television Shows and Related Toys

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Abstract

Many parents are seeking ways to reduce their children's exposure to violence. To this effect, recommendations have been made to parents, especially with respect to television violence and related games and toys. Three such recommendations are analyzed in terms of their probable outcomes. I argue that parental decisions to block particular TV programs and to avoid purchasing toys related to violent programs, if carried out in an authoritarian manner, may not bring about the anticipated outcomes. Reasoning with children and inviting them to assist in setting up family rules are actions that encourage young children to construct the self-awareness with which they may monitor their own behaviors, without excessive external rewards or restrictions. Five suggestions for raising nonviolent children are made and examples of their implementation are provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Curriculum and Instruction, University of Wisconsin, 800 W. Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin, 53190

    Ni Chang

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  1. Ni Chang
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Chang, N. Reasoning with Children About Violent Television Shows and Related Toys. Early Childhood Education Journal 28, 85–89 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009595219927

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