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PEDIATRICS Vol. 107 No. 2 February 2001, pp. 423-426
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ABSTRACT |
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This statement describes the possible negative health effects of television viewing on children and adolescents, such as violent or aggressive behavior, substance use, sexual activity, obesity, poor body image, and decreased school performance. In addition to the television ratings system and the v-chip (electronic device to block programming), media education is an effective approach to mitigating these potential problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a list of recommendations on this issue for pediatricians and for parents, the federal government, and the entertainment industry.
For the past 15 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP) has expressed its concerns about the amount of time children and
adolescents spend viewing television and the content of what they
view.1 According to recent Nielsen Media Research data,
the average child or adolescent watches an average of nearly 3 hours of
television per day.2 This figure does not include time
spent watching videotapes or playing video games3 (a 1999 study found that children spend an average of 6 hours 32 minutes per
day with various media combined).4 By the time the average
person reaches age 70, he or she will have spent the equivalent of 7 to
10 years watching television.5 One recent study found that
32% of 2- to 7-year-olds and 65% of 8- to 18-year-olds have
television sets in their bedrooms.4 Time spent with
various media may displace other more active and meaningful pursuits,
such as reading, exercising, or playing with friends.
Although there are potential benefits from viewing some television
shows, such as the promotion of positive aspects of social behavior
(eg, sharing, manners, and cooperation), many negative health effects
also can result. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable
to the messages conveyed through television, which influence their
perceptions and behaviors.6 Many younger children cannot
discriminate between what they see and what is real. Research has shown
primary negative health effects on violence and aggressive
behavior7-12; sexuality7,13-15; academic
performance16; body concept and
self-image17-19; nutrition, dieting, and
obesity17,20,21; and substance use and abuse
patterns.7
In the scientific literature on media violence, the connection of media
violence to real-life aggressive behavior and violence has been
substantiated.8-12 As much as 10% to 20% of real-life
violence may be attributable to media violence.22 The
recently completed 3-year National Television Violence Study found the
following: 1) nearly two thirds of all programming contains violence;
2) children's shows contain the most violence; 3) portrayals of
violence are usually glamorized; and 4) perpetrators often go
unpunished.23 A recent comprehensive analysis of music
videos found that nearly one fourth of all Music Television (MTV)
videos portray overt violence and depict weapon
carrying.24 Research has shown that even television news
can traumatize children or lead to nightmares.25 In a
random survey of parents with children in kindergarten through sixth
grade, 37% reported that their child had been frightened or upset by a
television story in the preceding year.26
According to a recent content analysis, mainstream television
programming contains large numbers of references to cigarettes, alcohol, and illicit drugs.27 One fourth of all MTV videos
contain alcohol or tobacco use.28 A longitudinal study
found a positive correlation between television and music video viewing
and alcohol consumption among teens.29 Finally, content
analyses show that children and teenagers continue to be bombarded with
sexual imagery and innuendoes in programming and
advertising.14,30,31 To date, there are no data available
to substantiate the behavioral impact of this exposure.31
The new television ratings system and the v-chip are tools that can
help protect children from potentially harmful content. All new
television sets with screens measuring 13 inches or greater contain a
v-chip that enables parents to program televisions to block out any
shows that they deem inappropriate for their children.32
To block out television shows, parents must use the television ratings
system, which has age and content descriptors for violence, sexual
situations, suggestive dialogue, and adult language. Although the
ratings system and the v-chip can assist parents, ongoing evaluation is
necessary to ensure that these tools are as effective as
possible.33-35 For example, the ratings should be applied
uniformly and listed in television guides, newspapers, and journals so
parents know what they mean.
Besides the v-chip, there are other means of protecting children from
what is on television. Evidence now shows that media education can help
mitigate the harmful effects of media violence36-40 and
alcohol advertising41,42 on children and adolescents.
Media education programs have been included in the school curricula
beginning in early elementary school in many states across the United
States.43
Furthermore, continued support of the Children's Television Act of
199044 and additional regulations made in
199645 will help to ensure the airing of television
programs specifically designated for children. The act requires
broadcasters to air educational and informational programming for
children at least 3 hours per week and to limit the amount of
advertising time allowed during children's programming. The shows must
be labeled E/I (for educational and informational) on the television
screen.
The following recommendations are given for pediatricians and
other health care professionals:
![]()
RECOMMENDATIONS
Top
Abstract
Recommendation
References
Pediatricians should recommend the following guidelines for parents:
Pediatricians should lead efforts in their communities to do the following:
Pediatricians should work with the Academy and local chapters to challenge the federal government to do the following:
Pediatricians should work with the Academy and local chapters to challenge the entertainment industry to do the following:
Committee on Public Education, 2000-2001
Miriam E. Bar-on, MD, Chairperson
Daniel D. Broughton, MD
Susan Buttross, MD
Suzanne Corrigan, MD
Alberto Gedissman, MD
M. Rosario González de Rivas, MD
Michael Rich, MD, MPH
Donald L. Shifrin, MD
Liaisons
Michael Brody, MD
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Brian Wilcox, PhD
American Psychological Association
Consultants
Marjorie Hogan, MD
H. James Holroyd, MD
Linda Reid, MD
S. Norman Sherry, MD
Victor Strasburger, MD
Staff
Jennifer Stone
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FOOTNOTES |
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The recommendations in this statement do not indicate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as a standard of medical care. Variations, taking into account individual circumstances, may be appropriate.
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ABBREVIATIONS |
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AAP, American Academy of Pediatrics; MTV, Music Television; E/I, educational/informational.
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REFERENCES |
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