Research into the effects of exposure to media violence indicates increased levels of aggression in children. Factors such as age and identification with the characters portrayed appear to influence the probability of children engaging in violent acts. Psychologists from several universities note that many studies have addressed the behavior of children currently exposed to media violence. This can indicate a lack of definitive data addressing the behavior when not currently exposed to the stimulus, such as in the classroom setting.
One point of debate regarding violence depicted in the media is the actual role of media. The question arises as to whether the media is introducing violence to its audience or is reflecting the violence already present in society. Further, the interpretation of such materials is conducted within a particular social unit such as a family. This gives rise to the question of the group's values and the effects upon such material. In turn, the child's reaction to media violence will be affected by these values.
Professor Laura Daly of Yuba College and Professor Linda Perez of Mills College conducted research in 2009 addressing the play behavior of preschool students as related to exposure to media violence. The results of the study do show increased aggressive behavior among certain subgroups. Factors such as the absence of male role models at home correlated with increased aggression. Children who were exposed to media without adult supervision displayed higher levels of aggression.
The overall focus of research has been upon physical aggression as a result of exposure to media violence. An area that lacks sufficient research has been social or relational aggression. Professor Barbara Wilson of the University of Illinois indicates a need to study the effects of media violence upon verbal and social behaviors in children and youths.
The impact of media violence upon children is widely accepted. While the exact mechanisms and degrees of the impact are still uncertain, reduction of this exposure will tend to lead to less short-term aggression. Long-term effects, such a lack of sympathy for victims, can also be reduced by the reduction to such exposure. This is one of the less expensive approaches to reducing aggression in youth through either parental control or control of the media content.