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How Old Should You Be To Watch Violent TV?

The makers of TV shows follow guidelines that protect kids under twelve from too much TV violence. These guidelines are based on research gathered by experts who have studied children. According to the experts, a child can't tell the difference between real and make-believe until they're around five years old. By the time a kid is eight years old, however, they no longer believe everything they see and hear. If you were in charge of deciding what a kid could watch on TV, what would you do if:

  • A newscast with pictures of a real person being shot was on TV?

    I would let the kid watch it if they were:
    a) five years old
    b) eight years old
    c) twelve years old
    d) any age
  • A horror movie was on TV?

    I would let the kid watch it if they were:
    a) five years old
    b) eight years old
    c) twelve years old
    d) any age
  • A show that features a group of high-kicking superheroes who fight evil monsters was on TV?

    I would let the kid watch it if they were:
    a) five years old
    b) eight years old
    c) twelve years old
    d) any age
  • A cartoon, starring a character who tries to capture and eat another character, despite repeatedly blowing himself up and being injured, was on TV?

    I would let the kid watch it if they were:
    a) five years old
    b) eight years old
    c) twelve years old
    d) any age
Source: The TV Book, The Kid's Guide to Talking Back, by Shelagh Wallace. Annick Press, 1996.

 
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How Old Should You Be To Watch Violent TV? - Handout  

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