TAPESCRIPTS

Listening level 2.1

Tom: This is Tom Benson at JZK Radio. This morning I have with me
Dr Jack Warden, a child psychologist, Ms Susan Reynolds, a
youth counsellor and Jayne Smith, a student. We are talking
about the effect of TV violence on children. First, let’s hear from
Dr Warden.
Dr Warden: Good morning, Tom. Research shows that violence on TV has a
dangerous influence on children… all children. Young children
imitate everything they see and hear – and in America they see
and hear a lot of violence. By the time the average American
child finishes primary school, he has seen 8000 murders on TV…
yes, 8000. This leads to an aggressive behaviour we see in most
children today.
Tom: Thank you Dr Warden. Now, Ms Reynolds…
Ms Reynolds: Every Saturday morning, children across America watch
cartoons, lots of cartoons. In every hour of cartoons, there are 32
acts of violence. This can lead to violent behaviour. However, I
don’t think it affects all children. I think it only affects those
children who already have got problems.
Tom: Now, let’s hear from Jayne Smith.
Jayne Smith: I don’t agree with Dr Warden or Ms Reynolds. It is true there is
too much violence on TV. Everyone knows there is too much. But
are children influenced by violence on TV? I don’t think so. I like
to watch violent, scary films. Why? Because they are so different
from real life – at least different from my real life. But those films
don’t make me want to do violent things. I don’t think there is a
connection.
Tom: That’s very interesting. I see you don’t agree, Dr Warden. What
would you like to add?