Teens, media and violence in schools

Over the past few decades, overall violence in the country has decreased. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, crime rates have fallen in our society, but school-based studies have revealed that many violent behaviors have increased among children and adolescents. One of the reasons is believed to be attributed to the internet. With the exploding popularity of Facebook, Twitter, usage of cell phones and other media sources, violence has increased in our schools. In addition, video games have become more advanced and violent as technology has increased.

So is there a connection? Does media influence the amount of violence or is it a coincidence? According to a study conducted by Ohio State University, "high school students who had more exposure to violent video games held "more pro-violent attitudes, had more hostile personalities, were less forgiving, believed violence to be more normal, and behaved more aggressively in their everyday lives."

The internet has become an amazing tool that has changed the way that we live. While it is mostly used for good, there is a darker side as well. Many teens have become the target of bullying and internet targeting. Predators can now stalk kids and pretend to be people they are not. With technology changing on a daily basis, educators need to stay on top of what is going on around us in order to protect our students.

Sources:
http://www.crf-usa.org/school-violence/causes-of-school-violence.html

http://www.nssc1.org/how-does-media-promote-violence-in-school.html