Why Children and Adolescents Use Language, Power, and Persuasion to Bully Others Essay Example

once they reach the age of four. If parents engage in negative and aggressive communication, children are likely to imitate this behavior and become aggressive towards others. Conversely, if parents communicate positively, children will learn to communicate in a positive and enjoyable manner. The media, particularly television and the internet, have a significant impact on a child's cognitive development and overall progress. Nonetheless, parenting becomes problematic when it lacks strength or effectiveness.

In the 21st century, children rely on different media forms to understand their environment. Unlike earlier shows such as Leave it to Beaver or Brady Bunch, television has undergone major changes. Nowadays, children watch South Park, a show that features profanity and violence. Even Cartoon Network has changed its programming by including cartoons of varying quality that often have explicit content and mature language. Consequently, parents are more careful about what their children watch. The characters in these cartoons are dressed in a flashy manner and lack depth.

The availability of movie channels has expanded, providing a wider range of options for accessing explicit content in the absence of parents. Similarly, children can be at risk on the internet when they encounter websites with explicit material. This is especially probable when using search engines like Google. For instance, if a child searches for harmless terms such as 'scolding,' 'duct tape,' or 'handcuffs,' the search engine may inadvertently direct them to sexual fetishes.

Gerbner (1986) suggests that television has cumulative and compelling effects, although they may be modest, moderate, and indirect. Cultivation research focuses on the role of mass media as a socializing agent and explores whether viewers mix fantasy with

reality. Gerbner and his colleagues contend that the world depicted on television is both rapacious and cruel. An illustration of this is when a child searching for information about using duct tape in a science experiment encounters online images portraying its use for sexual desires.

Gerbner's theory focuses on "heavy viewers" who watch over four hours of television daily. Moderate viewers watch two to four hours, while light viewers watch less than two hours. The author suggests that cultivation theory is closely related to childhood bullying and emphasizes that young heavy viewers are particularly susceptible to the influence of television in the absence of supportive parents.

Gerbner (1978) stated that television programming has a negative influence on children's lives. They tend to imitate and incorporate what they see on TV into their daily routines. This impact is especially significant for individuals in lower socioeconomic groups and with limited education, as they often face information barriers. Having access to diverse information can greatly enhance knowledge. Gerbner and his colleagues found that excessive TV consumption can hinder ambitions, increase anxiety levels, disrupt educational progress, and limit mobility.

Society needs to recognize and show worry regarding the influence of television on the future of our children. It is essential to comprehend how we can cultivate successful leaders and conscientious individuals without appropriate guidance. While not all television programming is harmful, specific networks offer educational content encompassing topics like math, science, politics, and art. Conversely, networks such as Cartoon Network or "Adult Swim" broadcast shows during prime time and late nights that contain explicit themes of sex, violence, and profanity.

The impact of television depictions

of families on young children's awareness, actions, and emotions raises questions about how society can function based on these programs. The unique dynamics within television families have a profound influence on children's lives. They identify with the characters that make up these families, form relationships outside of their own homes, and develop close connections with them. Children closely follow the fictional characters' lives, discuss episodes with friends, and even imitate their behavior and fashion choices. For children, these television depictions are more than just entertainment.

Television families play a vital role in children's comprehension of family life, ethics, principles, morals, and relationships. They also enable children to relate to their own families. According to researchers (Callister, Robinson, ; Clark, 2007), television families are equally important for real families as the actual home and family environment. In fact, children often compare television families with their own.

Television families are influential in shaping children's understanding of societal norms and values. Sitcoms such as The Cosby Show, Home Improvement, and Family Matters played a vital role in promoting strong and morally upright families that serve as valuable examples for kids. These shows taught important lessons on unity and overcoming challenges. Children often rely on fictional TV characters to gain insight into family dynamics and functionality. While some adults worry about negative portrayals of minority families reinforcing harmful stereotypes (Callister, Robinson, & Clark, 2007), The George Lopez Show has successfully depicted Hispanics positively by challenging stereotypes and highlighting their respectable behaviors.

According to George Gerbner (1986), television is the main influencer in shaping people's perception and interpretation of reality. He asserts that television plays a vital

role in constructing individuals' understanding of social reality. Based on communication theory, it can be anticipated that children who spend significant time watching television are prone to developing social paranoia since they are continually exposed to images and labels that can mold their beliefs and actions (Callister, Robinson, & Clark, 2007).

According to Huesmann, Moise-Titus, Podolski, and Enron (2003), exposure to violent media during childhood (ages six to ten) can predict aggressive behavior in young adults. This prediction holds true regardless of socioeconomic status, intelligence, and parenting factors. The researchers observed that children tend to imitate the violent behaviors they see on television. However, it is important to acknowledge that children may not fully comprehend that television is for entertainment purposes only. Consequently, they might incorrectly apply what they witness on TV towards others, which could pose potential dangers as indicated by the study.

In 1985, Bjorkqvist conducted a study which found that five and six year old children who watched a violent video were more likely to exhibit physical aggression and other forms of aggression compared to those who viewed a non-violent video. Similarly, Josephson observed in 1987 that boys aged seven to nine, who watched a violent film, displayed increased physical aggression during a hockey game when compared to those who watched a non-violent film. The persistent exposure of children to violence on television raises concerns as it may normalize such behavior.

The theory contends that continuous exposure to media violence plays a significant role in childhood and adolescent bullying. Gerbner (1986) argues that prolonged exposure to media content can subtly influence frequent television viewers. Moran (2007) proposes that individuals

who watch less violent network television have the perception of lower violence on those networks. Additionally, Moran's research indicates that viewers' perceptions of violence correspond with the average or proportional amount of violence witnessed on TV.

Kids somehow learn to imitate what they witness on television. If children dedicate a significant amount of their time to watching detrimental shows that hinder the growth of their minds in a positive manner, they will absorb and incorporate what they have viewed into their daily lives. The source of bullying must be identified. The negative behavior a child exhibits towards another person is influenced by programs that feature violence, gore, and explicit sexual material.

Children do not fully understand these concepts as they see them as normal. This is because if adults or their peers engage in similar behaviors towards each other, the child will perceive these actions as acceptable and tolerable. Symbolic Interactionism was first introduced by George Herbert Mead, a philosophy professor at the University of Chicago. However, Mead's ideas were never published. Instead, it was his colleague, Herbert Blumer, who expanded on his theory and coined the term "symbolic interactionism." This theory includes three key principles: meaning, language, and thought.

The theory of meaning development in social interaction posits that individuals create meaning by engaging in social interaction. This theory encompasses three primary principles: firstly, individuals act based on the meanings they ascribe to people or objects; secondly, humans have the capacity to assign names to things; and thirdly, introspection influences an individual's comprehension of symbols. According to this theory, humans possess a unique ability to comprehend and embrace the perspectives of

others. The "I" aspect of one's self drives their actions, while the "Me" aspect is shaped through conversations and interactions with others.

The concept of the looking-glass self, which involves adopting someone else's viewpoint to form a mental image, can be used by researchers to understand childhood and adolescent bullying. In the past, the cultivation theory focused on how heavy viewers see the world as more dangerous than light viewers. This raises the question of why children and adolescents are attracted to sexual and violent content on TV. To understand their perception and interpretation of violent TV shows, it is recommended to view the world from their perspective.

Howitt (1976) made a prediction about the negative impact of media on children's lives, and thirty years later, his prediction still holds true. Television programming has declined in quality over time because networks prioritize controversy, disregarding the well-being of children. Reid and Frazer (1979) argue that this perspective assumes that children's cognitive abilities develop in stages as they grow older, resulting in fixed responses to stimuli like television commercials. This perspective also suggests that children are limited by their own viewpoint and only consider things from their own perspective.

Their conceptions, interpretations, and understandings are seen as incapable of empathizing with others. Blummer (1969) argues that individuals' actions are driven by the meanings they attach to things. Once these meanings are understood, individuals engage in social interaction with others. Blummer (1969) suggests that meaning is formed through interpretation, definition, and interaction. People selectively respond to the reactions of those who are part of their social circles.

The main goal of this theory is

to understand how children perceive and shape their realities through television experiences. Reid and Frazer (1979) argue that in order to fully grasp children's relationship with television, programming, and commercials, it is crucial to consider their perspectives. Symbolic interactionism serves as the basis for this theory and enhances its value.

The theory of symbolic interactionism is highly intriguing to study in the realm of communication and society. It has a wide-ranging impact on various aspects of communication theory, including role theory, social perception, person to person perception, self perception, language, and culture. In the early nineties, Mortal Kombat emerged as a groundbreaking fighting game that depicted bloodshed and violence realistically. The game became immensely popular, attracting children and teenagers who eagerly queued up to showcase the impressive fighting techniques offered by the game.

The most controversial video game of its generation was known for its gruesome and heinous fatalities that ended the opponent's life. Parents were outraged by the excessive gore and the game's positive reception. Despite the controversy, the game gained popularity as its main objective was to defeat and eliminate the opponent in the most effective way. To understand its appeal, adults need to see the world from a child's perspective.

The more opponents you defeat, the more points you earn and the chance to boast about becoming Mortal Kombat Supreme Champion. However, it was not considered cool to engage in physical violence. Midway, the creator of Mortal Kombat, faced accusations of promoting violence locally and globally. Let's apply the concept of video games to bullying. Imagine if the victim, tired of enduring the bully's behavior, mimicked actions seen in

the game. This internal conflict between bully and victim can lead to serious consequences. The child may be sent to a juvenile facility and eventually serve time in prison.

As an adult, one would face criticism for the crimes committed. The child now knows that in the real world, killing the "bully" does not earn rewards or points. Every bad behavior and action has consequences. While mature adults understand this concept, children view video games as cool. They consider it cool to eliminate opponents quickly and progress to the next round. In other words, they do not feel remorse for harming their opponent; instead, they focus on the next challenge.

The reality is different. Children must learn that every action has a reaction. Instead of criticizing video games and calling them harmful, the author suggests that adults should support their children and try to understand what they are watching and how they understand the symbols portrayed. Only by doing so can we make an informed judgment that violent video games or violent television programming can negatively impact our judgment and decision-making abilities.

The child who is stubborn and disobedient will acquire respect for the parent's beliefs about video games and TV programming as adults comprehend it from the child's perspective rather than making hasty assumptions that all video games are awful. Social Learning Theory is a widely accepted theory in psychology and communication that explains the transmission of violent behavior or VCA (Verbal Communication Aggression) through learning.

Researchers in the field of Social Learning emphasize that children learn and imitate violent behaviors from role models, which can negatively impact their verbal

communication aggression towards other children. Parents who use physical punishment or engage in verbal abuse to discipline their children are setting non-supportive examples of uncivilized behavior (Bandura, 1973; Baron, 1977). According to Bandura's study (1973), children demonstrate increased imitation of violent behaviors observed in video illustrations of Violent Communication Aggression (VCA).

As children mature, they may perceive physical or verbal abuse as a regular aspect of life, potentially viewing violence in communication as the answer to all problems. Consequently, they could become both bullies and victims. McClure et al. (2005) provides further evidence highlighting the importance of educating individuals, particularly parents, on the importance of handling verbal aggression. This education is crucial as it can prompt children to view aggressive communication as their sole means of asserting authority and power.

The authors propose that reducing verbal communication aggression could enhance various relationships, such as supervisor-subordinate, teacher-student, and husband-wife relationships. It could also decrease the likelihood of physical aggression in both adults and adolescents. Some alternatives to verbal aggression include smiling, giving a pat on the back, and hugging. According to Wilson et. al (2008), a mother's level of trait verbal aggression or VA was linked to directing behavior, such as giving commands and suggestions.

Children with low-trait verbal aggression showed no opposition to their mother's authority. Children with high-trait verbal aggression sometimes resisted their mother's commands. The authors recommend that programs targeting parents with high-trait verbal aggression should emphasize parental control. Bandura (1973) conducted various studies that identified how children imitate violent behavior observed in adults, such as hitting toy dummies.

According to Sheline (1994), boys in elementary school who bully

may be associated with a lack of parental affection and the use of aggressive communication, such as spanking, for discipline. Spatz-Widom's (1989) extensive study on the inheritance of violence across generations found strong evidence supporting the idea that violence breeds more violence.

In his study, Vissing (1991) acknowledged the significant correlation between children who displayed high levels of communication aggression at home and their involvement in crime and interpersonal aggression. Gershoff (2002) conducted a comprehensive review of studies conducted over a span of sixty years to investigate the effects of corporal punishment. She focused specifically on studies that examined habitual physical discipline and excluded those that explored physically or abusive punishment.

The conclusion she reached was consistent in all analyses: even traditional nonverbal communication acts like hitting increase children's aggressiveness. The cases of Carl Walker-Hoover and Jaheem Herrera serve as a reminder that bullying remains an issue that must be recognized and addressed seriously. It is no longer merely a temporary phenomenon, as lives are tragically being lost in order to halt the distressing fear and torment inflicted upon victims by merciless and malicious children.

In order to ensure the well-being and success of children, it is important for parents, teachers, and school administrators to collaborate. Teachers have a crucial role in educating, motivating, and inspiring young minds so that they can contribute positively to society. However, this becomes difficult when one student constantly lives in fear. It is important for children's concerns to focus solely on academic tests because they are the future and have the potential to make important discoveries that will benefit society.

To envision the potential contributions

of the victims, Carl Walker-Hoover and Jaheem Herrera, to our society as adults is a task that will forever remain elusive. It is crucial for parents to exhibit love and concern towards their children and take an active interest in their lives. The involvement of parents brings forth immense excitement in children. Effective communication with children is imperative as their minds possess a receptiveness comparable to sponges. It is the responsibility of adults to serve as exemplars for their children's behavior and actions. Adults must acknowledge that they play a vital role as role models, ultimately shaping their children into aspiring citizens of this incredible nation and world.

The significance of communication in establishing connections and fostering a productive society is emphasized by the author. Parents have a vital part to play in this endeavor through encouraging their children to excel, giving them guidance and education, inspiring them, showing affection, and supporting each other. Additionally, it is crucial for parents to monitor the content their children access on television and the internet as youngsters are often captivated by online discoveries. While the internet can be beneficial for academic tasks and other educational pursuits, parents should be aware of how their children perceive the world outside based on their own perspective.

Television has become a significant risk for our children, making it easy to forget what it was like being a child. With an abundance of channels available, parents struggle to monitor their children's TV viewing habits. The rise in channels has led to more violence being portrayed on TV networks, including explicit content at any given time. It is important for adults to

communicate to their children that violence is not the ultimate solution for problem-solving. Television should not depict our world as harsh and terrifying.

Television channels like Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, C-SPAN, History Channel, Military Channel, and PBS provide valuable insights into science, medicine, history, and politics. Children can broaden their understanding of these subjects by watching these channels. Additionally, CNN, MSNBC, and FOX can help children stay informed about current events and develop observation skills. It is important for adults to remember that young ones often imitate what they see on TV from a young age. Television plays a crucial role in helping children adapt to new ideas and discoveries.

According to the writer, television has a significant impact on children's behavior, communication, and interactions. In order to promote social harmony and discourage inherent aggression, parents should encourage traditional values such as family meals and positive TV shows. Eliminating corporal punishment from every household is crucial as it can wrongly teach children that negative actions are the solution to problems.

Bullying is a widespread issue globally, present in various regions and countries. Often, bullies imitate behaviors they witness at home, such as parents yelling and using offensive language. This can frighten children and lead them to express their anger through bullying at school. The solution to this problem does not depend on the education system or political divisions like left versus right, liberals versus conservatives, or republicans versus democrats. Instead, both the root cause of the problem and its resolution lie within every household worldwide, including those in the United States. It is crucial to acknowledge that positive communication plays a vital

role in shaping a child's life.

According to the author, words hold immense power and can significantly influence a child's life by making them feel worthless and incapable when linked with negativity. To counteract this, parents should prioritize enhancing their child's self-esteem and motivating them to overcome challenges through faith. It is also essential to foster love and respect among individuals in order to raise a well-rounded child. In today's society, upholding ethical standards is vital as the world has deviated from fundamental principles, morals, and values.