Television & Socialization

When I've watched special news reports about children and too much television I've noticed that this is something critics do by implying that television's portrayal of violent and sexual themes are powerful affects that viewers are watching, especially children. News has covered the affect of children bringing  weapons to school campuses and have enforced their interest in them whether they may or may not have inflicted harm to anyone. How much of a role do you think TV plays in the socialization process?  My feelings are that television does play a role in the socialization process because children of various ages can mimic or emulate what they see on television just as they may do when they see adults talking, laughing, and interacting with others. Does it affect everyone to the same extent? I feel that television may not affect everyone to the same extent because every child develops his/her own character and personality which may not only be conveyed through watching television but also in other environments for i.e. childcare, playgroups, older siblings and/or other social settings.