12 May 2005
A Monash study of 500 Victorian children has found one in three attribute their night-time fears to frightening images in popular entertainment.
The results have prompted Monash researcher Dr Jocelynne Gordon to encourage parents to be more discerning about their children's television and movie exposure.
Dr Gordon, from the Faculty of Education, interviewed the children aged eight to 16 years about their night-time fears.
Nearly 30 per cent of the children said their fears stemmed from frightening images on television, videos and movies.
"There is a need for parents to supervise the viewing habits of their children, in particular younger children, and to be selective and discerning about the choice of movie and television programs they see," Dr Gordon said.
The study identified more than 34 specific childhood fears, of which intruders were the greatest - featuring in 14 per cent of cases. The children described intruders as: burglars, thieves, robbers, murderers, shooters, bandits, soldiers, nasty or creepy people, strangers in the house or kidnappers.
"Frightening television images, in particular, could be implicated in the development of these fears," said Dr Gordon, adding that parents' own fears, parents' unintentional reinforcement of children's fears, or children's traumatic past experiences could also prompt night-time fears.
Overall, two-thirds of the children surveyed reported night-time fears, with girls reporting more than boys. "Night-time fears were most common for eight to nine year olds with just over 87 per cent of that group reporting night time fears, and just over 74 per cent of the 10 to12 year olds reporting fears," she said.
"These fears don't go away in the teens as many people assume. In fact, nearly 44 per cent of the 13 to 14 year old group admitted they are afraid at night, and nearly 55 per cent of the 15 to 16 years olds are as well," she said. Dr Gordon plans further research into the assessment and treatment of children who are severely affected by night fears.
For further information or to arrange interviews contact Ms Robyn Anns, Monash Media Communications, on +61 3 9905 9317 or 0417 568 781.
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