According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology, children may watch up to three or four hours of television daily. Thousands of studies have been conducted and prove that prolonged viewing of violent programs does in fact affect viewers, especially children. It may make them numb to violence, increase aggressive behavior and even perhaps cause them to use violence to solve problems. While there are other reasons, including mental disorders that may cause children, adolescents or even adults to act out violently, research shows that prolonged viewing of violent shows can desensitize these individuals.
The TV industry in order to help inform viewers about the content of the programs they're watching. These TV parental guidelines provide a ratings system like movies and appear in the upper left hand corner at the start of each program and sometimes again during commercial breaks.
Since 2000, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has required all televisions be equipped with the V Chip, which allows parents to block any programs that may have unsuitable or violent content for children. This chip electronically views ratings systems and blocks out anything that doesn't meet their requirements.
While there are great methods to limit exposure to TV violence, children may still be exposed. If they are exposed to violent programs, parents should always discuss the content and illustrate the moral and legal consequences these violent programs present.