Violent content in football commercials could desensitize children

By Staff Writer

Sunday's Super Bowl broadcast was viewed by millions of children across the U.S. One of the most talked about aspects of the annual event is the lineup of new TV commercials, many of which contained violence.

Among the Super Bowl XLV commercials, there were several movie trailers that were littered with violent scenes. Also, one ad featured a man getting hit in the crotch with a soda can, which was intended to be humorous. In another spot that aimed to be funny, chimpanzees drove cars into a parked vehicle with a man inside of it.

A new study from Iowa State University researchers found that kids who view violent advertisements during a sporting event that contains content that may amplify aggressive thoughts in kids. Even more troubling, the author's said, is that parents expressed little concern about the commercials.

They suggested that parents should monitor their children's viewing habits because teens who become desensitized by this content are at a higher risk of engaging in similar activities.

Problem teens who have trouble controlling their aggression may benefit from tough love. Parents may consider censoring certain content, such as TV, movies, music and online websites.