Counseling Techniques With Children Exposed to Violent Media

Movies, TV shows, news and video games are sources of violent media images. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that children who watch violence are likely to become immune to the images and gradually more accepting of violence. They are also more likely to imitate what they see, either immediately or in the future. Some children may become traumatized by violent images that they see and develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, such as anxiety, reliving/revisualizing the event and nightmares.

Encourage Limited Exposure to Violent Media

• Parents should limit or eliminate exposure to violence on movies, TV or video games. Most media today comes with a rating, and video games, TV and movies are rated for appropriate viewers. Do not allow children to watch a show or play a game that is not appropriate for their age, even if the parent feels that a particular child can "handle it." The nightly news often has graphic images of war or other violence. If possible, wait until the children are in bed and watch late night news broadcasts. If this is not realistic, make children leave the room when the news is on.

How To Talk To the Child

• Parents often do not know how to address the violence a child may see. Teach parents that if a child does see violence on TV or on a game, talk to them about it. Ask the child what he thinks and feels about what he saw. Validate his feelings by saying "Yes, it was really scary," or "you think it's pretty cool when someone gets shot on your game." Discuss the situation surrounding it, such as what sometimes happens during war or why games and movies are not real. This may be an opportunity to discuss death as well. Do not assume that a child understands death and that people do not wake up after they die. In fact, do not assume a child knows anything. Often they have misconceptions about life that parents do not even realize. Also discuss any fears a child may have such as worrying that someone may break into their house or that someone they love could be killed.

Use Cognitive Behavior Therapy

• Ask the child what specifically he has seen that was violent. If there have been many violent images seen, ask about the most violent or something that sticks out in his mind. Have him describe this scene. Ask him what he was thinking and feeling while watching this scene. Determine whether the thoughts and feelings are accurate or rational. Address irrational thoughts and feelings. For example, the counselor could say, "So you think killing someone is a really cool thing to do?" or "So everyone has someone break into their house and kill their family?"

Use Rational Emotive Therapy

• Violence is often glamorized in media, and many movies and games do not address the punishment for violent crimes. Challenge these thoughts. Address the punishment for violent crimes. Perhaps refer to newspaper stories about individuals who are being sentenced for violent crimes or prison statistics. If a child is persistent in his thinking that violent offenders get away with their crimes, or that he could get away with a violent crime himself, challenge this thinking. For example, "have you ever gotten in trouble for anything?" Of course the child will say yes. Respond with "So if you got caught and in trouble for hitting your brother and were grounded for a week, what would happen if you shot someone?" If it is appropriate, relate violent crime to the child's religious beliefs.