Abstract Children watch television a great deal, and are thereby exposed to the violence depicted on TV screens.
This paper discusses the claim that there is a causal connection between the amount of violence children watch on TV and how much it affects their behavior, pointing out that, while this claim has been challenged by some researchers, there seems to be considerable evidence that there is a serious problem here.
Abstract The paper explores the concerns of a number of researchers that the inclusive classroom is something for which the current education system is ill-prepared to facilitate (at least properly) and the paper also considers the argument of nay-sayers that the inclusive classroom creates the potential for damaging disruptions. On the other hand, the paper looks at those who favor the inclusive classroom and substantiates their favorable opinion by examining the emotional and (especially) scholastic benefits to LD students because of placement in an inclusive classroom.
From the Paper "The following paper will examine eight scholarly sources which explore whether or not inclusive classrooms that permit learning-disabled children to learn alongside unimpaired children is worth the considerable cost of training and equipping teachers to address the special needs of these young people. As one might expect in an issue of this complexity, both sides of the debate must examined. Consequently, the first half of the paper will explore the difficulties that the inclusive classroom creates - at least in the considered view of critics."
Abstract The paper describes how homosexual-parent families are very much a part of society. The writer argues that there are many misconceptions about these families, but through examining professional literature and looking at the facts, those misconceptions are debunked. The writer proposes that gay and lesbian parents are no different from heterosexual parents in their commitment and ability to raise healthy, well-adjusted children. The writer concludes that accepting the presence of gay and lesbian parents and providing them with the rights and support they need will be a big step towards improving the well-being of these parents and the children that they raise.
From the Paper "The American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association does not recognize homosexuality as a mental disorder, and urge all mental health professionals to counter "the stigma of mental illness that had long been associated with homosexual orientation" (American Psychological Association 2005). Likewise, it has not been shown that gays become bad parents due to a lack of parenting skills or a lack of time. Because gender roles are not clear-cut in homosexual relationships, gays and lesbians are actually able to divide household and family labor relatively evenly, and report higher levels of domestic satisfaction (Johnson and O'Connor 2002)."
Abstract This research study analyzes the effects of media on adolescent viewers. In particular the research attempts to determine what, if any, forms of censorship may be necessary to limit adolescent access to overtly violent or sexual media images. It also discusses what psychological and physical effects such images have on adolescent viewers, both in the short term and the long term.
Table of Contents:
Synopsis
Research Goals & Methods
Discussion
Overview of Major Issues
Literature and Historical Evidence
Sexual Harassment and Media
Violence and Media
Mass Media and Sexuality
Summary of Report
From the Paper "Cognitive social learning theory suggests that adolescents viewing negative, violent or overtly sexual behaviors in the media will mimic them when other more appropriate models are not available (Brown, 2002). Modeling also occurs when the model "is perceived as attractive" or when serving some functional values (Brown, 2002). If children are spending so much time in front of mass media images it is likely they will begin to form their own conclusions about what is and what is not appropriate."
Abstract The paper discusses the need for stimulation to the brain as a child develops from infant to toddler. It discusses that during these stages, without external stimulation, it is very unlikely that a child will develop healthy functionality of various organs, including the eyes and brain. The paper references three psychologists, Jean Piaget, Erik Erickson, and Sigmund Freud, that have studied cognitive development from infant to early adolescents.
From the Paper " In Erickson's eight stages of psychosocial development, he studies all age groups from infancy through adulthood. In the first and second stages address the development of infants and toddlers through the first two years of life. In Erickson's first stage, the baby develops trust vs. mistrust. In this stage the baby needs care, love, food, and to be held in the mother's arms. If a child receives these essential needs from a parent or guardian, the needs of the child are met and he will develop trust in adults. The child may then experience normal cognitive, emotional, and social growth. However, if a child is deprived of this nurturing, she will develop an overall mistrust of people in her environment (Harder)."
Tags: adolescent, Piaget, Erikson, Freud, environment, communication
Abstract Children and teenagers growing up being bullied think it is a normal part of life. Long-term consequences are associated with bullying and can lead to criminal activities. The paper shows that little attention has been paid to the effects of bullying or the connection between bullying and other forms of violence. Bullying on school property during recess has become lethal in the past few years and research is suggesting bullying is the beginning of school violence. This paper shows the problems facing children who are bullied, problems in schools and the long-term psychological effects caused from years of bullying.
Paper Outline:
Definition of Bullying
Problems Facing Bullying
Problems of Bullying in Schools
Psychological Effects
Long-term Consequences of Bullying
Missouri State Statue HB 1301 and 1298
Manifest Goals
Latent Goals
Eligibility Rules and Service Delivery
Interview
Evaluation and Flaws
References
From the Paper "Boys are bullies more often than girls are and usually bully other boys. Regardless of the gender of the victim, boys tend to use physical force or threats. Likewise, girls typically bully other girls, but do so verbally and indirectly more often than physical. Teenage girls are often the targets of rumors and sexual comments. Teenage girls who bully often spread gossip or encourage others to reject or exclude another girl. Bullying is often a warning sign that children and teens are heading for trouble and are at risk for serious violence."
Abstract The paper analyzes three articles pertaining to parental involvement in their child's special education program. The paper examines how there are several reasons why parents choose not to participate, such as denying that their child has mental retardation or because they feel that their input and suggestions are not welcomed by school personnel. The paper concludes that it is the responsibility of the school personnel to listen to the parents and to make any necessary changes so that the parents of the handicapped students can be involved in every aspect of their child's education.
From the Paper "The main topic that was researched in this article was the lack of involvement on the parents' behalf regarding their children's special education program. The authors assumed that the reason behind the lack of involvement was the parents' fear of becoming readily identified as one with a mentally retarded child. Of the parents who respond to the questionnaire, most were from the middle class, most were two parent families, and most were families with generally higher IQs. Parents from the middle class generally denied that their children had a retardation problem and they felt that their child would eventually outgrow the mental learning problems by the time they were adults."
Abstract This paper explains that businesses use controversial television advertising because controversy spreads more rapidly amongst viewers and thereby increases the spread of powerful word-of-mouth advertising. The author points out that censorship only prolongs or intensifies questionable advertising. The paper explains that, because companies competing for profits will continue to believe that questionable advertising methods relay the most powerful messages, parents who are perturbed by this practice must set limits for their own children's television watching simply by turning it off.
From the Paper "The more protesters - slash - objectors holding up mini-billboards, or picket signs, simply just broaden the advertisement target area even more. Each person can forge their own opinions about the advertisement's approach, but at least the controversy has opened up the doors to many others to consider forming an opinion, whether it is good, or bad. The public response to the Janet Jackson Super Bowl stunt has gotten other advertisers to pull ads, in fear of upsetting TV networks, of course, due to upsets from viewers."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the subject of autism. The writer describes, in detail, how autism affects all areas of a person's life from the moment they are born all the way into adulthood. The writer explains that autism means living in terms of the self. The writer further explains that, to a spectator, a child in a condition of autism emerges to be self-centered while he shows little response to the outside world. In reality, however, the child in such a state has little awareness of being a 'self'. The writer concludes that the design of truly individual treatment plans that use strengths and compensate for weaknesses starts with a thorough understanding of how learning is different for children with autism from those without autism and how learning is different among different children with autism.
Outline:
The Autism of Early Infancy
The Autism Associated with Psychosis
Autism as a Learning Disability
Conclusion
From the Paper "This is a normal condition. There is little responsiveness of the outside world as such, which is experienced in the mode of the infant's bodily organs, processes and zones. A normal infant emerges from this state due to an innate disposition to recognize patterns, similarities, repetitions and continuities. These are the raw materials for such mental processes as recognition, classification, object creation and understanding. Through these processes, the child builds an inner representation of usually agreed reality and turns out to be self-conscious. The study of children who have failed to emerge adequately from the state of normal primary autism brings home to us the intricacy and delicacy of the time-consuming process of becoming aware of the world and its objects, persons and other minds."
Tags: disorder, disabilities, response, outside, world
Abstract This paper discusses how the statistics on divorce are alarming and overwhelming and the quality of the family unit is deteriorating. Children are being raised in far less stable environments, and the expectation of long-lasting love is a thing of the past. It examines how several ideas have surfaced to help decrease the percentages of divorce and encourage families to remain married and how the establishment of government programs to enhance marriage skills could benefit young couples considering marriage. It looks at how eliminating the "no-fault" legislation could force couples to reconsider divorce and concludes that continuing research on the effects of divorce could help to educate people on the many ways divorce harms adults, children, and society as a whole.
Outline:
Predicting Divorce
Implications
Studies on Divorce
Theory
Conclusion
From the Paper "Many key factors can predict the success or failure of a marriage. Education is one of those key factors. Statistically, the more educated a couple is, the risk of divorce becomes reduced. Also, if an educated couple does divorce their likelihood of living in poverty is far less than those educated minimally. Other determinants for failed marriage include different values and financial inequality. When married couples begin to live with one another differences become more obvious than when only dating. Also, when couples come from different economic backgrounds, their likelihood of staying married is diminished. Accordingly, if a couple cohabitates or becomes pregnant before marriage, the risk of divorce is increased. (Martin 2006)"
Abstract This paper explains that, instead of viewing children as young individuals who need to be nurtured, advertisers are using children as mere tools to get at their parents' wallets. The author points out that a key focus of the advertising world is to make the child brand loyal at a young age. The paper reports that psychologists advise companies to get children to pester their parents into buying the product through "child-aimed advertising". The author relates that advertisers use sex tactics to make children, especially girls, think that by buying their products they will be "grown up". The paper stresses that, just as countries around the world have adopted policies protecting children from the effects of advertising, the U.S.must do the same. The paper has an annotated bibliography.
Table of Contents:
Influence through the Ages
The Advertisers and Their Focus
The Range of Media
Advertising around the World
Suggestions for a Child Advertising Free Future
From the Paper "Advertisers benefit from the fact that children have not formed many memories at such a young age. Advertisers then pursue the child for a spot in their heads that can last for years to come. "The great thing about them is that their memory banks are relatively empty so any message that goes in gets retained." When advertising to children, companies go out of their way to ensure that their "target audience" is being sought out, reached and then compliant to the company's urges for the child to purchase the product."
Abstract This paper discusses the concerns regarding unsafe sex in the United States, particularly among school-aged children. It discusses the problems of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and ways to avoid contracting them. The paper then suggests solutions to the problem of unsafe sex and discusses the justifications for these solutions.
Table of Contents:
Solution to the Problem
Justification of the Solution
From the Paper "The possibility that birth control in schools might lower the rate of teen pregnancy and STDs is reason enough to implement systems in schools. If birth control were available in schools, more teenagers would use protection when exploring their sexuality. Birth control should be available in high schools simply because most teenagers will not talk to their parents about it.
"Many parents do not even realize that their children are interested in sexual activity. These parents may fight birth control in schools, as they may perceive it as encouragement. However, schools should make an effort to help parents recognize the real situation. To reduce STD's and pregnancies, teenagers should be able to obtain birth control from somewhere. Schools provide a safe place to do so."
Tags: pregnancy, STD, condom, sexuality, birth, control
Abstract This paper examines the transformation of the traditional American family and the impact of the non-traditional family in today's world. The paper explains that the non-traditional family is called a "blended family" and is more prevalent today than thirty years ago because divorce rates are rising and remarriages are much more common. The paper notes that significant changes are occurring in the marriage patterns in the United States, as individuals are postponing marriage until later in life and more people are choosing not to get married. The paper also points out that the area where change is most apparent centers around patterns of child-bearing. The paper then discusses the various types of non-traditional families. The paper contends that , for all types of non-traditional families, the changes will only come from shifts in cultural prejudices and this kind of change will be slow, but there are signs that some preliminary movement is beginning to take place.
From the Paper "The image of the American family looks and functions very differently than families of the past few decades. Men and women raised in the 1960's and 1970's when programs such as "Ozzie and Harriet" and "Father Knows Best" exemplify the average family, are likely to find themselves in situations that have changed dramatically. Research claims that many family structures are common: single-parent families, remarried couples, unmarried couples, step families, foster families, multi-generational families, extended families, and the doubling up of two families within the same home. Marriage, divorce, and patterns of childbirth are some of the factors that have contributed to these significant changing families. With these changes come the possibility of remarriage and the creation of new families which bring together parents and children without blood ties."
Tags: divorce, remarriage, cultural, prejudice, child-bearing, population
Abstract This paper explains that research indicates that adolescents of alcoholic parents are prone to developing abnormal behavior due to environmental, cognitive and biological influences. The author points out that mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety, are common side effects of adolescents who are subjected to an environment where the parents are alcoholics. The paper states that children from these homes often demonstrate behavioral problems, such as stealing and fighting, and often are diagnosed as having conduct disorders. The author underscores that children of alcoholic parents are raised in an environment where alcohol consumption compensates for the lack of social skills. The paper states that these children suffer academically because of the parent's lack of support for their child at school. The author stresses the importance of identifying protective factors and educating society to reduce the hazards of abnormal behavior in children of alcoholic parents.
From the Paper "Along with environmental factors, children of alcoholics can suffer from cognitive misperceptions and dichotomous thinking. For example, when children experience feelings of guilt due to their parents drinking and assume that it is their fault, this is a form of illogical and dichotomous thinking. The children develop illogical thought patterns and self-blame primarily due to their parents not taking responsibility for their drinking, which will eventually lead to abnormal behaviors by the child."
Abstract This paper addresses childhood onset schizophrenia (COS) and the controversy surrounding the causes as well as the diagnostic distinction between childhood onset schizophrenia and the more known disorder schizophrenia, which is prevalent in adults. For the purposes of providing a differential diagnosis and a definitive clinical picture of COS, the paper examines the disorder as diagnosed prior to the age of thirteen. The paper points out that, until recently, the term childhood schizophrenia was given to a highly diverse mix of children with very little in common other than a profound and chronic disturbance during early childhood. The paper concludes that, although much work has been written about childhood onset schizophrenia, there are still many issues subject to debate.
From the Paper "The assessment of diagnosing childhood onset schizophrenia is a very delicate matter and all areas of the child's life have to come into consideration. Because of the severity of schizophrenia and the elements it shares with other psychotic mood disorders, it is very important to perform thorough assessment prior to diagnosis. This assessment involves structured interviews, symptom scales, and diagnostic decision trees like those found in the DSM-IV-TR manual. The individuals that should be interviewed include the child, their parents, teachers, siblings and even their peers. A clear distinction is necessary to be determined so that proper action can be taken. The interview with parents and children must be thorough and include information on recent events, changes in mental state and functioning, developmental history and, as we have seen before family history. Information on family history is significant as the rate of schizophrenia is increased among first degree relatives (Gonthier, 2004)."
