Teenage Influences

            This world seems to be influenced and persuaded so much by what we see and hear on television that it leads us to act and behave in certain ways, especially the young and naïve teenagers of America. The future generation of this world is surrounded and bombarded by so much violence, that they are not only witnessing it in their community but in many cases  these acts are being perpetuated in the media such as movies, television shows, music videos, the news and even video games. Portrayed in today’s youth, we see how they tend to assimilate certain cultures and behaviors that they see on television. For example, certain hairstyles, clothing, and demeanors are directly drawn from the media. It is evident that teenage trends change very frequently with today’s society and can be said to be extremely influenced by what they see and hear in the media. Currently we see young males wearing Mohawks, skinny jeans, and colorful outfits; compared to the baggier outfits that were the trend years ago. If the media is strong enough to change physical trends for youths, than we can believe mental viewpoint will be altered as well, especially when violence is often a norm in today’s society and the media.

            American children watch an average of fours hours of television daily.  Television can be a powerful influence in developing value systems and shaping behavior.  Unfortunately, much of today's television programming is violent.  Hundreds of studies of the effects of TV violence on children and teenagers have found that children may:

• become "immune" or numb to the horror of violence
• gradually accept violence as a way to solve problems
• imitate the violence they observe on television; and
• identify with certain characters, victims and/or victimizers (1)

            The media tends to romanticize violence through the actions of media icons that make violence seem exciting and acceptable. For example, musicians talk about selling drugs, and killing people, and these youths do not realizing the illegalities of these actions and tend to mimic these actions because it worked for their “successful,” icons. Furthermore, the adventurous life style that is depicted on television could definitely be enticing for youths as well. Youths see repeatedly how gang members in movies are successfully evading police, and earn a lot of money, and eventually buy big houses, cars, which these youths start to believe that individual cases like these happen to all involved in this type of world. On television, they often see gang members going to jail, and coming out better off than they were before. These images are permanently embedded in a youth’s impressionable mind which influences them to focus on the romantic versions of these stories and disregard the painful truth. 

            Furthermore, often times family member are also a huge contributing factor for why a youth turns to a life of crime and violence. At the family level, it is important to recognize the dynamics, specifically parenting techniques, as it relates to violence. Family discipline practices, whether it is physical or verbal, is a major factor that contributes to a youth’s violent behavior. In some homes, physical abuse such as “Spanking,” is utilized to discipline children. This form of discipline is suppose to teach the child that they shouldn’t be doing certain things and that they should change their behavior or else there are consequences they must face. The problem with this form of discipline is that it sends a hidden message to the child which informs them that it is acceptable to engage in physical force in order to promote change. Research evidence has suggested that youth who have been physically abused are more likely to commit a violent crime later on in their life (Widom). Besides physical abuse, verbal abuse can also have a negative effect on the youth. A child that is constantly told that he/she is “bad,” or “not good enough,” will eventually begin to believe it. This mentality can take a toll on the youth which deteriorates self esteem and can also lead to violent behavior. It is crucial that parents interact with their children in a positive manner and are aware of their actions. 

            The disconnection experienced by the child/teen in the household is a major reason for youths to associate themselves with gangs. One of the main reasons for gang membership is the lack of parental guidance. These youths, living in broken families and bad neighborhoods, feel the need to find their own family closeness and protection since they can’t get it from their real family. The conflicts within the household are stressful for the youth, and it also creates a lack of family support that they receive from the gangs.  Some youths actually feel a stronger sense of belonging with their gang than with their real family. Their gang membership not only provides them with acceptance and support, but people to turn to when they feel threatened. Using gangs as a way to feel comfort and support, these youths end up getting stuck in this lifestyle which explains the gang’s influence on the violent behavior by the youth. 

References

"Children and TV Violence." American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.           Web. 5 Apr. 2011. <http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/children_and       _tv_violence>.

Widom, Cathy S. "Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse." National Criminal Justice           Reference Service. Web. 3 Apr. 2011. <http://www.ncjrs.gov/txtfiles/abuse.txt>.