Effect of Exposure to Violence Media Content on Aggression in ChildrenHafiza Sana Zafar AwanHafiza Sana Zafar AwanHafiza Sana Zafar Awan

Abstract

Pakistan has one of the most vibrant media landscapes. Since liberalization in 2002, the number of media channels in Pakistan has increased remarkably. An increasing engagement in the mass media has appeared along the measurable expansion of media outlets. Media violence is considered as one of the major threats for psychological health. The prime goal of a health professional is to work for the maintenance of psychological health. Consequently, it is essential to understand the influence of media violence on mental health, chiefly in the Pakistani context. Violence has become one of the major public health problems in Pakistan. Aggressive behavior is defined as any behavior that is intended to hurt another person, either physically or verbally. The aim of the current study is to examine the impact of media on the mentality of the children and how it is affecting their behavior negatively. The current study examined the effect of exposure to media violence on the development of negative behavioural pattern and aggression in the children. It was examined which gender is more prone to violent media content and have more aggressive personality. The selected age group was from 06-12 years. The sample consist of 25 participants that were examined by using Buss and Perry aggression questionnaire. Results revealed that male participants are more prone to violent content (13%) as comparison with females.it was found that age group from 8-12 is more prone to violent media content (18%). Results are supporting the hypothesis that aggression is the outcom of media violence. For reducing the impact of media violence parents and teachers needs to play their active role.