Poll: Teens Think Violent Behavior Is Acceptable

With violent behavior a constant in entertainment – especially forms of entertainment popular with teens, like TV and video games – it should come as no surprise that teenagers are increasingly desensitized to violence. But it is shocking to learn that some teens find such violent behavior acceptable and even ethical in their own lives.

A December, 2008 poll of teenagers conducted by Opinion Research found that 27% of teens think that violence is sometimes, often or always acceptable, with 20% saying that they had personally acted violently toward another in the past year, and 41% saying that a friend had done so. More than a third of the teen respondents said that violence was an acceptable way to settle an argument (35%) or to get revenge (34%). Other “acceptable” reasons for violence included disliking the victim (22%) and for thrills (10%). Astonishingly, these same teenagers admit that violent behavior is unethical, and claim that they are able to make proper decisions about their own behavior.

 This points to a difficult and dangerous future for many of these children. ""It is highly troubling that so many teenagers have a self-image of ethical readiness and the confidence in their ability to make good decisions later in life, yet at the same time freely admit to current behavior that is highly unethical. Employers will have their hands full if a quarter of teens grow up still willing to resort to violence and other unethical behavior when it comes to making decisions about how to settle differences, protect their interests or get ahead," said said Dr. David W. Miller, Director of the Princeton University Faith & Work Initiative, and professor of business ethics at Princeton University.

 The survey also showed that many teenagers say they do not have good role models. Only about half (54%) cited their parents as appropriate role models. With television programs like Gossip Girl and 90210 providing adulterous, hypocritical adults and sex-crazed, violent teens as models of typical behavior, no wonder teens feel bereft. Certainly, parents must do their part in teaching morals and setting boundaries for their teens; but when young viewers are barraged dozens of examples per week of inappropriate behavior which is then shown as normal, it is no wonder that so many are confused.