Recent research suggests that women are commonly depicted as victims and sex objects in the media [12, 69]. Portraying women in this way, media via pornography, pornographic movies, and music videos, has been found to increase attitudes which are supportive of violence, specifically sexual violence, against women.

Examples of violence in media could include anything from depictions of children being violent with their toys to gun fights. Studies have found that children will act more aggressively after viewing either level of media violence.

Sometimes media attention can be intense – particularly after high-profile crimes such as murder or sexual assault. If you're the victim, this can seriously affect your life and make it even harder to cope with the stress and shock of the crime. There are things you can do to try to stop unwanted media attention.

The impact of TV violence may show immediately in the child's behavior or may surface years later. Young people can be affected even when their home life shows no tendency toward violence. While TV violence is not the only cause of aggressive or violent behavior, it is clearly a significant factor.

For decades, anecdotal and scientific research has shown the harmful effects to children of television, movie and video game violence. The four main effects are aggression, desensitization, fear and negative messages (Murray 2000).

The frequency of exposure to traumatic or disturbing information through media is related to the development of anxiety and P.T.S.D. -related symptoms. While the initial reaction to viewing media may cause acute stress symptoms, generally they decrease over time.

Television news violence also contributes to increased violence, principally in the form of imitative suicides and acts of aggression.

Too much screen time can also take away from reading, studying, learning activities, play, and exercise. Digital media can also show alcohol and drug use, smoking, and sexual behavior. Your child may see these things before they are emotionally ready to understand these issues. And before they can make good decisions.

Characters on TV and in video games often show risky behaviors - like drinking alcohol, using drugs, and smoking cigarettes - as cool, fun, and exciting. When these things seem acceptable, kids and teens might be tempted to try them. That might lead to substance abuse problems.

Studies show extensive viewing of television violence may cause children to become more aggressive and anxious. Children who watch many hours a week of violent TV may become inured to violence and begin to see the world as a scary and unsafe place. As a parent, you are your child's first line of defense.

Individual

• History of violent victimization.
• Attention deficits, hyperactivity, or learning disorders.
• History of early aggressive behavior.
• Involvement with drugs, alcohol, or tobacco.
• Low IQ.
• Poor behavioral control.
• Deficits in social cognitive or information-processing abilities.
• High emotional distress.

Media consumption can elicit or exacerbate feelings of PTSD. “It's important to be attuned to your body and feelings,” says Dr. Jacquot. “Be aware of types of articles or videos that can trigger a response, and limit your consumption of that,” she adds.