Is your child’s health affected when s/he wins points by harming an opponent in a video game? Watches the bad guys kill their victims in a TV story? What about when s/he cheers on the good guy who blows up the evildoer in a movie? Do kids learn that using violence is an acceptable way to resolve conflict? Do they become less sensitive to people who get hurt or lose a family member because of a violent act? Do they become more fearful that they could be a victim of violence in real life?

Watch one of your child's favorite TV shows or play a favorite video game. Use this checklist to identify the potential influence violent media content has on your child's development. The more statements you circle YES, the greater the risk to your kids. Make sure to share your feelings about the "right" and "wrong" of using physical or verbal aggression. Explore nonviolent ways to deal with situations.

• Bullying, fighting, or other violence is used to deal with a situation. (yes/no)
• The violence is realistic—it looks like it could happen in real life. (yes/no)
• The victim is likeable or reminds you of someone you know and like. (yes/no)
• The heroes or villains are valued for their combat abilities. (yes/no)
• The characters have a good reason for using violence.(yes/no)
• The “good guys” or “bad guys” are rewarded for using violence.(yes/no)
• The “good guys” or “bad guys” are not punished for using violence. (yes/no)
• Weapons like guns, knives or ropes are used. (yes/no)
• Some things that happen during the violent scenes are funny. (yes/no)
• For the victims and their families, life goes right back to normal and the pain, sadness, or anger are not shown. (yes/no)

Download a printable PDF version of this checklist from Common Sense Media.