Does Watching Wrestling and Mixed Martial Arts Influence Your Child to Become Violent?

These days, sports that were once abhorred and shunned for what was perceived as unalloyed violence and brutality have become quite conventional.  They appear on every possible medium: film, television, video games and graphic novels.

On TV, we have “professional wrestling” by way of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), and genuine mixed martial arts through the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). 

Before you get caught up in an alphabet soup, know that there are distinct differences.  The WWE and TNA offer astonishing stunts and realistic drama performed by real-life athletes but are not technically athletic competitions, while the UFC maintains a structure and discipline, and is marshaled by adept referees and judges.

As adults, we are aware that violence is indeed everywhere, and as responsible parents, it is our sublime duty to impart the values of social harmony to our children.  Watching a program that displays overt force may influence your child to believe that this is acceptable, and doing so repeatedly may eventually lead him to mimic kicks and arm bars.  But before you switch off the TV, remember that you cannot possibly filter everything your child watches.  So where does that leave us?

 

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According to Malen Cerezo-Ahorro, a Psychology professor and mother to three grown-up boys: “Violent shows such as these are a definite no-no, especially for younger kids.  They can impact a child’s behavior negatively.  It is not good for kids to be allowed to watch shows with any degree of violence, unless the parent can be present to offer guidance and explanation.  But generally, steer away.”

Karl Storjohann is a banking expatriate and father to a seven-year-old boy and ten-year-old girl.  As a former Pankration martial arts competitor, he says “I don’t see the big fuss about people avoiding real fighting.  In the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao is a national treasure, and what does he do to win?  Punch people.  Simple.  As far as fake fighting (WWE) is concerned, I never allow my children to see that, but then they see my pictures and know that I used to fight.  My daughter is ten and almost a brown belter in Karate, and my son is enjoying Muay Thai. They never do anything crazy, have many friends, are confident.  I tell them that contests are disciplines, not random acts of violence!  So don’t force your child to watch, but if he’s old enough and shows interest, don’t stop it; nourish it.”

Ideally, we should pre-select quality programs for children and monitor their TV time.  However, if they chance upon a match, or happen to be with you as you cheer on your favorite fighter, carefully explain the occurrences.  Interpret the fact that UFC fighters, for instance, are not angry at each other and they work very hard to be in a sport as such.  Take particular note of sportsmanlike habits such as touching gloves, bowing, and embracing after a fight, all to show respect.  With this in mind, you may even foster an interest in martial arts in your older child.  Take him or her to junior taekwondo or karate competitions, enroll them in lessons.  With careful rationalization of everything, becoming violent may be averted.  

 

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The WWE and TNA and other entertainment programs are a whole different scene.  These shows display individuals who curse, who disrespect women, give allusions to sex, and do a lot of chair throwing, among other things.  No matter how one tries to justify that this is purely entertainment, it is most certainly the wrong kind for young children.

However, it would also be good to have an explanation ready in case they chance upon a wrestling match.  Be truthful and and tell them that these fighters are not really fighting, but acting, just like in their favorite movies.  Stress the fact that these people are professionals and that, being trained as such, know how to control their actions.  Remind your child that he must not imitate these stunts because he is not trained for them, and that if he does he may severely hurt himself or his playmate.  

Unless your child is ready to understand the facts, though, hold off on exposure.  A two-year-old may think it’s hilarious to drop-kick Yaya when she’s lying down, especially if the people around him laugh it off because they think it’s cute.  

Values formation, including shunning of violence, is an enormous task and does not begin and end with television programs.  Violent acts can be picked up anywhere, but the power to teach a child is in you.  If you tolerate him spanking a sibling, or hitting a helper in anger or jest, or, worse, see it from you, he will grow up thinking that physical aggression can solve anything.  And there’s definitely no entertainment value to that.

Photo by Enan Sison