Reducing Screen Time: Impact on Aggression in Elementary School Children
Exposure to violence in media, particularly television, has been linked to increased aggression in children. This study examines the effects of a school-based intervention designed to reduce screen time, encompassing television, videotapes, and video games, on aggressive behavior in elementary school students. The research focused on third and fourth-grade students in two comparable California elementary schools.
The intervention consisted of an 18-lesson curriculum implemented over six months in one of the schools. This curriculum aimed to educate children on the potential negative impacts of excessive screen time and encourage healthier alternatives. The control group at the second school received no intervention.
Before and after the six-month intervention, data was collected through various methods. Children rated their peers’ aggression levels and provided their perceptions of the world as a mean and scary place. Researchers also directly observed a random sample of children on the playground to record instances of physical and verbal aggression. Additionally, parents were interviewed to assess their children’s aggressive and delinquent behaviors using a standardized checklist. The primary outcome measured was peer ratings of aggressive behavior.
The results revealed a statistically significant decrease in peer-rated aggression among children in the intervention group. Specifically, there was a 2.4% reduction compared to the control group. Furthermore, observed verbal aggression also decreased significantly in the intervention group, with a reduction of 0.10 acts per minute per child. While not statistically significant, trends suggested reductions in observed physical aggression, parent-reported aggressive behavior, and perceptions of a mean and scary world in the intervention group.
This research reinforces the link between media consumption, specifically 17 Television and other screen-based media, and aggressive behavior in children. The findings demonstrate that reducing children’s exposure to television, videotapes, and video games can lead to measurable decreases in aggression. The positive outcomes observed in this study suggest that interventions targeting screen time reduction can be effective tools in promoting healthier behaviors among elementary school children. The study supports the growing body of evidence highlighting the importance of limiting screen time for children’s well-being. While further research is needed, this study provides compelling evidence for the benefits of reducing screen time on children’s behavior.