MEDIA VIOLENCE IN CHILDREN'S LIVES

The cause of violent behavior in society are complex and inter-related. Among the significant contributors are poverty, racism, unemployment, illegal drugs, inadequate or abusive parenting practices, and real-life adult models of violent problem solving behavior.

At the same time that there has been an increase in the number of reported violent acts directed at children, there has been an increase in the amount and severity of violent television, movies, computer games and videotapes, and an increase in the manufacture and distribution of weapon-like toys and other products directly linked to violent programming.

It is the responsibility of adults and of public to protect children from unnecessary and potentially harmful exposure to violence through the media and to protect children from television content and advertising practices that exploit their special vulnerability.

Television and other media have the potential to be very effective educational tools for children. Research demonstrates that television viewing is a highly complex, cognitive activity, during which children are actively involved in learning. Media should be constructively used to expand children?s knowledge and promote the development of positive social values. Measures should be taken by responsible adults to limit children?s exposure to violence through the media.

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