Cinematic Bruises: How Scenes of Violence and Blows in Films Affect Children

Why violent scenes appeal to young viewers, and what the consequences can be.

Films where characters fall, fight, and take hits have become a common sight in contemporary cinema. But how regularly watching such scenes can affect children's psyche — that's what DeTalks looked into.

Film and Violence: What Science Says

Research into the effects of media violence began as far back as the first half of the 20th century. As early as 1928, commissioned by the Payne Fund, 13 such studies were organized. The experiments found that watching 'gangster' films had a significant negative effect on children, contributing to a rise in delinquency.

In the 1960s, George Gerbner and Larry Gross of the University of Pennsylvania also developed cultivation theory — it claimed that constant exposure to media violence leads to an exaggerated perception of how dangerous the real world is.

The Effect on Children's Psyche

• Children who frequently watch violent scenes may display more aggressive behavior in everyday life. They might, for instance, imitate the behavior they've seen, considering it an acceptable way to resolve conflict. Children who watch aggressive films more often display aggression toward their peers.

• Constant exposure to violent scenes can also lead to desensitization — a reduced emotional response to violence, both on screen and in real life. This means children may come to see it as normal, feel less sympathy for victims, and be less inclined to help in situations involving violence.

• Film often depicts violence without real consequences, which can create a false impression in children that such actions go unpunished and are acceptable. This can lead to a lack of awareness about the real danger and potential harm associated with violent behavior.

Recommendations for Parents and Educators

Psychologist Yuliia has shared a few tips on her blog to help children avoid comparing reality to 'movie life.'

• Limiting exposure to content with aggressive scenes: it's recommended that parents monitor the type of content their children consume.

• Discussing what was watched: while watching media content, it's important to talk with children: ask questions, and encourage them to discuss the plot and analyze the characters' actions. This helps children understand the difference between fiction and reality, and develops emotional intelligence.

• Teaching children critical thinking: encouraging children to analyze characters' behavior and understand the difference between on-screen fiction and the real world.

• Developing empathy: discussing the moral aspects of films and encouraging children to imagine themselves in the place of characters who are harmed.

Violent scenes in films and cartoons can have a serious effect on children's psyche, changing their perception of reality and behavioral norms. But controlling the content children watch, along with active adult involvement in media literacy, can help reduce the negative effects of on-screen violence.