Growing Problems of American Teens
The problem of violence and crime in American teenagers is growing every year. ... Does entertainment influence American teens’ attitude towards violent behavior? ... Entertainment is a major factor in the escalation of teen violence in American society. ... Findings over the past twenty years by three Surgeon Generals, the Attorney Generals Task Force on Family Violence, the American Medical Association, the National Institute of Mental Health, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other medical authorities indicate that televised violence is harmful to the American society, but particularly to the mental health of children or teens. In 1989, the results of a five year study by the American Psychological Association indicated that the average child has witnessed 8,000 murders and 100,000 other acts of violence on television by the time he or she has completed sixth grade. ... In a study by the Centers for Disease Control, published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), it was shown that homicide rates had doubled between the introduction of television in the 1950s and the end of the study in 1994. ... The novel told of the hardships and cruelties faced by African-American slaves in the south. ... But some people, mostly teens, do not know the difference, which teach them to follow the “good guy” in the games, which result in violence. ... Violence in the media is a problem in American society today. Teen violence is a serious and rapidly growing problem in America. From the horrible incident at Columbine, Colorado to the everyday incidents of youth violence, it is apparent that the problem is growing not shrinking. ... “ One problem facing children growing up in America is todays media bombardment. Children growing up in todays media bombardment, is that they are learning all the wrong things at all the wrong times. ... “The typical American child has witnessed an estimated 200,000 acts of violence, including 33,000 murders. ... The teens who dont learn to control these urges usually resort to violence or vulgarity. ... As teens fight their way through adolescence, they are vulnerable to influences and pressures around them. ... After researching about the entertainment business and how it affects American teenagers, my view of the affect as being negative, has not changed. ... Chances are also that the American teenage population will forever mock them and continue getting violent ideas.