In the study, the researchers examined data from three national telephone surveys on kids’ exposure to violence, and found declines in kids witnessing or experiencing assaults that involved weapons or injuries, as well as assaults committed by peers and siblings. The study also found decreases in kids seeing acts of bullying and sexual victimization.

Boredom is a common trigger for violent behavior, but today’s society has brought engaging technologies to many people. “Technology can be very engrossing, and boredom has declined,” Finkelhor said.

Moreover, because of technology, people now spend more time at home and have less face-to-face communication with others, which lowers the risk of physical assault.

Other technology-related factors explaining why exposure to violence in kids has dropped might be the wide availability of cell phones, which make it easier for potential victims of violence to call for help, and the increased use of surveillance equipment. “People know they are being recorded,” Finkelhor said.