Tag: behaviour

Should media should be strictly regulated for aggressive and violent content to help manage aggression in adolescents?

The debate about whether we need to heavily censor media for our adolescents, particularly violent and aggressive content, to control and reduce aggression is highly debated, contentious for policy makers and society. A debate that precedes this technological uprising and stretching back to the Greeks (Ferguson & Dyck, 2012). This essay will critically analyze the relationship between media exposure and aggression in adolescents. Alongside this, review the implications of media censorship and what the potential effects of violent media content may be on adolescents.  

Many studies have looked at the potential link between aggressive behaviour in adolescents and exposure to violent media. A positive correlation exists in some research (Anderson et al., 2010). Within Social Cognitive Theory the exposure to violent and aggressive content, particularly if repeated, may lead to desensitization, observational learning and increased acceptance of aggression (Bandura, 1973; Allen, 2017). If human learning is fundamentally social as posited here, these factors could contribute to the imitation of aggression in media, leading to potentially violent behaviour in everyday life. 

Theories such as the General Aggression Model (GAM) highlight the complex interactions between cognitive processes after media exposure and then subsequent behaviour. It proposes aggressive content can influence thoughts, emotions and behaviours (Anderson & Bushman, 2002). 

Establishing causality has not been conclusive to date. This is a challenge due to the variety of factors that may influence and shape aggressive behaviours; peer interactions, individual personality traits, family environment and socioeconomic status all play a part (Ferguson, 2013). 

We see proponents and opponents for the role of media censoring, particularly for controlling aggression in adolescents. Advocates suggest that media censorship will promote positive behaviours and values, leading to a less aggressive society. While critics outline the potential challenges such as infringing upon freedom of expression and creative liberties. This raises concerns, ethical implications, possible restriction and contamination of public information (Irum & Laila, 2015). Some research indicates that restricting media for adolescents may be ineffective, due to the multitude of platforms available to them (Ferguson, 2013). 

Current alternative strategies to manage aggression look at the importance of education, critical thinking interventions, role modelling, pro-social behaviours and parental involvement. An open and active involvement and communication with young people will be a crucial role in helping them to contextualise and understand media messages, whilst empowering them to make healthy and responsible choices (Huesmann, 2007; Huang et al., 2023; Gitter et al., 2013). 

In conclusion the relationship between violent media context and aggression in adolescents is a contentious and complex issue. Some studies have positively correlated media exposure and behaviour. However, media censorship is a very controversial approach which raises ethical concerns. To address the issues of adolescent aggression this mini essay finds that a multifaceted approach is required to mitigate the negative effects of violence in modern media. Combining media literacy programs, parental involvement, positive role models, and a supportive social environment may help adolescents develop resilience and critical thinking skills. 

References

Allan, J. (2017). Aggression: a social learning analysis. Taylor And Francis. 

Anderson, C. A., & Bushman, B. J. (2002). Human Aggression. Annual Review of Psychology, 53(1), 27–51. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.53.100901.135231 

Anderson, C. A., Shibuya, A., Ihori, N., Swing, E. L., Bushman, B. J., Sakamoto, A., Rothstein, H. R., & Saleem, M. (2010). Violent video games effects on aggression, empathy, and prosocial behavior in eastern and western countries: a meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 136(2), 151–173. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018251 

Bandura, A. (1973). Aggression: a social learning analysis. Englewood Cliffs, N.J., Prentice-Hall. 

Ferguson, C. J. (2013). Violent video games and the Supreme Court: Lessons for the scientific community in the wake of Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Association. American Psychologist, 68(2), 57–74. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0030597 

Ferguson, C. J., & Dyck, D. (2012). Paradigm change in aggression research: The time has come to retire the General Aggression Model. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 17(3), 220–228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2012.02.007 

Gitter, S. A., Ewell, P. J., Guadagno, R. E., Stillman, T. F., & Baumeister, R. F. (2013). Virtually justifiable homicide: The effects of prosocial contexts on the link between violent video games, aggression, and prosocial and hostile cognition. Aggressive Behavior, 39(5), 346–354. https://doi.org/10.1002/ab.21487 

Huang, S., Lai, X., Li, Y., Wang, W., Zhao, X., Dai, X., Wang, H., & Wang, Y. (2023). Does parental media mediation make a difference for adolescents? Evidence from an empirical cohort study of parent-adolescent dyads. Heliyon, 9(4), e14897–e14897. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14897 

Huesmann, L. R. (2007). The Impact of Electronic Media Violence: Scientific Theory and Research. Journal of Adolescent Health, 41(6), S6–S13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2007.09.005 

Irum, S. A., & Laila, A. S. (2015). Media censorship: Freedom versus responsibility. Journal of Law and Conflict Resolution, 7(4), 21–24. https://doi.org/10.5897/jlcr2015.0207 

Supporting Families When Mental Health Services Are Stretched: Practical Solutions for Parents

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health services are under immense pressure. Waiting lists are growing, resources are stretched thin, and many families find that their children and teens don’t meet the high thresholds required for formal intervention. Yet, these young people and their families are still struggling, needing support and guidance that can feel out of reach.

As the demand for services continues to rise, it’s becoming increasingly important to explore alternative ways of providing families with the help they need. That’s where practical, home-based solutions can play a vital role.

The Gaps in Mental Health Support for Young People

One of the biggest challenges faced by parents today is the gap between needing help and accessing it. Mental health services, particularly for children and teens, often have strict thresholds that must be met for families to receive formal support. For those who don’t meet these criteria, it can be a frustrating and isolating experience, knowing something is wrong but not having access to the right tools or professional interventions to address it.

This gap leaves many families feeling stuck—unable to access services yet still witnessing their child’s struggles with anxiety, emotional regulation, or relationship difficulties. The reality is that while their concerns may not meet the threshold for clinical intervention, they are still very real and deserve attention.

How Can Parents Step In?

Given the pressures on mental health services, it’s essential to equip parents with practical, effective tools that they can use at home. Our resources, designed specifically for parents to use with their children and teens, offer a solution to bridge this gap. These resources are not just about temporary fixes; they are structured around long-term strategies that promote emotional well-being, resilience, and healthy communication within the family.

The key to our resources is their focus on systemic and trauma-informed approaches. Rather than viewing mental health as something to be treated solely by professionals, the guides encourage parents, schools and the community to take an active role in the healing and growth of their families. By understanding the family as a system, parents can better identify the patterns and dynamics that may be contributing to their child’s struggles, and work to create positive, lasting change together.

Why a Systemic Approach Matters

Thinking systemically means understanding that a young person’s mental health is not just an individual concern—it’s something that affects and is affected by the entire family. When a child or teen is struggling, it impacts the whole family dynamic, from communication patterns to emotional balance. The interventions in your guides help parents to address these broader dynamics, creating a more supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

This holistic approach is essential, especially when families cannot access formal services. It empowers parents to take steps that can prevent problems from escalating, while also reinforcing the family’s ability to navigate challenges together.

Filling the Gap When Services Are Stretched

In a time when services are overwhelmed, our resources provide a critical lifeline for parents who might otherwise feel powerless to support their child’s mental health. They offer structured, therapeutic activities that parents can integrate into their daily lives, building emotional resilience and improving communication in a way that is both manageable and effective.

For families who don’t meet service thresholds or are facing long waiting times, these guides act as a proactive solution, helping them navigate their child’s needs with confidence. Instead of waiting for things to get worse, parents can use these interventions to address issues early on, potentially reducing the need for more intensive services later.

A Lifeline for Families

In this challenging landscape, providing parents with practical, easy-to-use resources can make all the difference. Our resources offer families the opportunity to take control of their mental health journey, addressing concerns in a proactive, collaborative way. While they may not replace professional services, they fill a vital gap for those who are waiting or unable to access formal intervention.

At a time when mental health services are stretched to their limits, these guides offer a lifeline, empowering parents to step in and make meaningful changes for the well-being of their children and the entire family. By focusing on connection, communication, and systemic thinking, these resources can help families create a stronger foundation for long-term mental and emotional health.

Investing in these tools means investing in your family’s collective well-being—an essential step in navigating the challenges of today’s mental health landscape.