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Violence and aggression are harmful social behaviors that are followed by many negative consequences. On television, however, this is not always true. According to a study at the University of Central Los Angeles, in 73% of all violent scenes on television the perpetrators go without consequences and without punishment (Rohan). This may not seem like a problem, but TV is a big influence on people's social behaviors. When viewers see this violence going on without proper punishment, they are more likely to commit violence themselves. They may get the impression that violence is successful and pays off better in the end than non-violent problem solving (Rohan). In real life most people know that this is not true, but it is harder for the children watching to understand. Not only do the perpetrators experience negative consequences, so do the victims of the violent acts. Victims of violence can undergo physical and emotional pain, as well as their families. In the same study at the University of Central Los Angeles, it was figured that 47% of all violent interactions show no harm to the victims and 58% show no pain (Rohan). These flaws in the television world can influence people and children in the real world into thinking violence and aggressive behavior is not so bad. If television shows decide that they must continue to show violence then they should at least show the consequences that come along with it. Since children are most affected by what they see on television, the shows should try to convince viewers not to act with violence.
Children are the most impressionable out of all people. They learn from what they see and hear around them. This is why violence on television is especially harmful to their developing minds. Dr. Leonard Eron, a pioneer in the study of televisions effects on behavior, stated that adolescents and young adults are also affected by watching television violence (Kolata).