The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry shows that most children watch an average of three to four hours of television a day. Television has been shown to have a massive impact on the way that children learn, act and interact with others. It is not unusual for children watching TV violence to also act in violent ways. Violence on television can be seen in most adult television shows these days. What is put on television these days is not as conservative as it was thirty years ago. This can make it very difficult on the family trying to live a Christian lifestyle and prevent their children from being exposed to violence on television. Violence on television does not portray the proper morals and values that the Christian family wants their children to learn.

Research and studies have shown that children who are constantly exposed to violence on television can become numb or immune to the TV violence that they see. These children may also learn to accept violence as a way of solving their problems. This may cause a variety of behavioral issues in children, including an increase in fights at school or while playing with other friends or family. Children will often imitate the violence on television that they have been exposed to. These children may begin fighting with siblings or friends in the ways that they have seen on television.

Many children may be more sensitive to the violence on television that they see and will often begin to sympathize with those characters. The violence on television may also cause an increase in the aggression of children. Often times, a child who views one violent act on television will have an increase in aggressiveness. While violence on television does not necessarily cause children to act violently, it may encourage them to act violently. This increase in aggression or violence may not be seen until the child is older and stronger.

The best way for the Christian family to limit the violence on television that their children see is to actively filter their child’s television viewing. Block certain channels on satellite or cable that you do not approve of. Watch for the parental notices on television shows that will tell you how violent the show is. The television has become the most important object in most people’s homes. Reducing the importance of the television and stressing other activities as more important will decrease the violence on television that children see. Allow only certain types of movies to be played while the children are awake at night. Only allow certain show to be watched that hold Christian values in high priority.

The television has also become America’s babysitter in recent years. Many parents plant their children in front of the television from the time they are able to hold themselves up. The television has been used as a distraction tool in many households for all ages of children. Encouraging children to play outside, read or work on a hobby is a better way to keep your children busy. This will also provide important exercise that many children do not receive because they watch so much television. Reducing the amount of television that children watch will in turn reduce the amount of violence on television that children see. If a child is having violence and aggression issues, it may be necessary for them to visit a child psychologist so that those issues can be explored more deeply.