In Chapter 7, violence in the media was discussed. It is clear that the findings vary widely on whether or not violent media plays a significant role in the development of bullying behavior. Most parents don't question the fact that the media has some impact on their kids, but how much impact and to what degree it is positive or negative can vary greatly from parent to parent. Here's how to tell if your child is being affected by too much violent media.

Desensitization to Violence

Some children who are regularly exposed to high levels of media violence are apt to become desensitized to what they see on television. So-called reality television, violent and gory television shows, video games rated Mature or Adult, and access to inappropriate website content can all contribute to a situation where a child no longer reacts negatively (and can begin to react positively) to aggressive and violent behavior. When this happens, violence and gore no longer have shock value for the child; he views it as normal.

Numbing

Once a child is desensitized to media violence, it is only a matter of time before he is desensitized to real-life violence. He may no longer react to seeing another child in pain or suffering. If a classmate is being beat up, he will watch without feeling any sympathy or concern.

Imitation

Every parent has witnessed their child imitating something he has seen on television. If your child begins to act out aggressive and hostile behavior, you will need to intervene and limit his amount of exposure to violent media.

Intimidation

Some kids react to exposure to violent media by overreacting to the danger in the world. If your child witnesses extreme violence on television, he may fear that it is real and that it could happen to him in real life. He will become anxious and upset and feel that the world is an unsafe place and the people in it are mean and vengeful.