What Role Do Parents Play in the Media Habits and Possible Problematic Behavior of Their Children

Abstract

The intention of this thesis is to investigate the possible connection between violent media and problematic behavior in juveniles. The connection was tested using three hypotheses. The first hypothesis stated a link between violent films and problematic behavior. The second hypothesis involves the influence of parents on media consumption. The third hypothesis focused on the possible connection between Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) usage by parents and consumption of violent media by children. A survey completed by thirty-nine respondents with children revealed no apparent link between violent media and problematic behavior, a relationship between parents' media influence and children's media consumption, and a decrease in violent media viewership by parents who use MPAA ratings. Future research may benefit from gathering information directly from children about their media consumption.