Engaging in Violence on American Television: a Comparison of Child, Teen, and Adult Perpetrators

Abstract

This study examines the perpetrators of violence on American television in terms of their chronological age. In particular, the content analysis compares the amount and nature of violence committed by child and teen characters to that committed by adult characters. The results suggest that younger perpetrators are depicted in several ways that pose risks for the child viewer. Compared to adult perpetrators, child perpetrators are more often portrayed as attractive, are less likely to be punished for aggression, and engage in violence that results in fewer negative consequences to their victims. In addition, these younger characters are disproportionately featured on the very programs and channels that are targeted to the child audience. The findings are discussed in terms of children's attention to, and social learning from different types of characters on television.