【明報專訊】Many children look up to superheroes who save the world from evil. However, the "good guys" in superhero movies are more violent than the villains (反派角色), which may be setting youngsters a worse example, according to research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition.

The research looked at ten superhero films from 2015 and 2016, and found that superheroes performed on average 23 acts of violence every hour compared to just 18 by their bad guy counterparts. The most common type of violence seen in superhero films is fighting, followed by the use of a lethal weapon and the destruction of property; bullying; intimidation or torture; and murder.

"Children and adolescents see the superheroes as 'good guys', and may be influenced by their portrayal of risk-taking behaviour and acts of violence," said Dr Robert Olympia, lead author of the research. The researchers advise youngsters not to "emulate these perceived heroes". It is also recommended families watch the superhero movies together and discuss what happens.

(sources: Ming Pao, Daily Mail, CNN)

■Game

The Smarties admire superheroes not because of the lethal weapons, but their protection of the public. Spiderman is one of the superheroes whom they like the most. Can you find out the five differences on the poster?

■Quiz

Answer the following questions.

1. Superheroes do not perform any violence acts.

True/False

2. Superheroes perform on average _____ acts more than villains every hour.

3. Name TWO common types of violence seen in superhero films.

■English highway﹕look up to

If you look up to somebody, you admire or respect someone.

e.g. My brother and I look up to great athletes for their passion and determination.

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

lethal (adj) 致命的

intimidation (n)恐嚇

emulate (v) 模仿

perceive (v) 把……看作

[Smarties' Power English 第230期]