Does Violence on Television Influence the Actions of Children?

This week's discussion topic was the debate of whether violent video games and T.V. programs have an effect on children's behavior. There is a belief in some that watching these violent displays can increase the violence in children while other individuals believe they are not related. The nature versus nurture debate plays a large part in this dilemma. Does watching violent shows (nurture) cause aggression in children? Or do our genes (nature) cause us to be violent? I personally believe that both nature and nurture play a vital role in the aggressive behaviors of our young.
There is no doubt in my mind that these violent actions depicted on T.V. and in video games lead to the vicious behaviors in children. Most of the television programs being ran today are violent. These programs lead children to become emotionless to the violence shown on T.V. Children gradually begin to believe that violence is the solution to their problems. Children then begin to imitate what they see every day on the television. This also is applicable for video games!
I believe that parents should monitor the programs their children are watching and limit the amount of time spent in front of the television each week. Parents should also point out to their offspring that such behaviors are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. They should discuss ways to resolve problems in alternative ways that do not involve violence. Should the government restrict violent shows to be played on T.V.? This is the current question being argued today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx0X61jT5dw

Here is a link to a video that discusses violence on television.