✓ Application - This study has led to the development of TV censorship. Bandura's study was inspired by a news story of a boy in San Francisco who was injured when his friends re-enacted a TV fight scene. The study suggests cartoon violence (like Tom & Jerry) might be causing children to learn aggressive behaviour. This study is used to support censoring TV, films and video games aimed at children as well as ensuring they aren't watching.
It also triggered concerns about violence on TV. In the UK, TV observes a “watershed” which means that programmes with violence, sexual content or obscene language are only shown after 9 pm up till 5.30 am. The thinking behind this is that, before and after these hours respectively, children may be watching unattended but during 'watershed hours' parents will be present and can filter what to watch.
The 1963 study also counts against the “catharsis” argument which is often used to defend violent sports like boxing or WWE (popular with young boys). Defenders often say watching wrestling helps audiences “vent” their aggression harmlessly, but Bandura suggests the opposite is true. If Bandura is right, these sports should not be shown to children.