Violence On TV Can Lead To Aggressive Behaviors In Children

BOSTON (CBS) - We've seen more than our fair share of violence in recent events, both overseas and here at home, but should we be worried about what our children see on television? Dr. Mallika Marshall reports on how screen violence, both real and fictional can be harmful for kids.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says exposure to violence on television, movies and video games can lead to aggressive behaviors and feelings of anger in children.

Pediatricians said the link between screen violence and aggressive tendencies in kids is stronger than the link between secondhand smoke and lung cancer.

The best advice for parents and guardians is to closely monitor what their kids are watching and encourage more educational screen time to enhance their social and emotional competence. Also, children under six years of age, should not engage in any virtual violence because they can't tell the difference between fantasy and reality.

Live Interactions Can Promote Learning

For years, pediatricians told parents that they should keep television and digital screens away from children younger than two. But a new study suggests that live interactions through platforms like FaceTime and Skype can promote learning.

The researchers say kids can tell the difference between a fake, prerecorded interaction that includes pauses after questions like you might hear on some popular children's programs and real back and forth with a live person.