Electronic Media, Violence, and Adolescents

Electronic media; Bullying; Internet harassment; Violence; Adolescents

Adolescents’ access to and use of new media technology (e.g., cell phone, personal data assistant, computer for Internet access) are on the rise, and this explosion of technology brings with it potential benefits and risks. Attention is growing about the risk of adolescents to become victims of aggression perpetrated by peers with new technology.

A potential risk of using these new forms of media technology is also starting to emerge. Specifically, increasing numbers of adolescents are becoming victims of aggression perpetrated by peers with this new technology. Examples include adolescents creating Web sites or sending e-mail or text messages that are intended to embarrass or harass a peer and/or to threaten physical harm.

Additionally, the exposure of youth to extremely realistic violence through online and offline video games and the potential impact these experiences may have on adolescents’ propensity to be aggressive are areas of concern.

Research is needed about the association between such processes, evolving technology, and adolescent behavior to inform prevention and intervention approaches.