A new study conducted by Linda Pagani and her team has found that exposure to violent television content in childhood is associated with an increased risk of antisocial behavior in adolescents. The research, which included 963 girls and 982 boys from Quebec, Canada, showed that preschool-aged children who were exposed to violent TV content were more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors such as hitting, stealing, and gang fight involvement in their mid-teens.
The study, published on January 20, 2025, analyzed data from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development and found that boys were significantly more likely to experience these behavioral outcomes. The researchers also found no association between exposure to violent TV content and antisocial behavior in girls.
According to Pagani, “Our study provides compelling evidence that early childhood exposure to media violence can have serious, long-lasting consequences, particularly for boys.” The study’s findings suggest that public health initiatives targeting parents and communities can play a crucial role in limiting the negative effects of media violence on young children. By being aware of these risks, parents can make informed choices about their child’s screen content exposure and take steps to promote healthy media habits from an early age.
Source: https://nouvelles.umontreal.ca/en/article/2025/01/20/violence-on-tv-what-happens-to-children-who-watch