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T his policy highlights the extensive daily exposure that children of all ages in the United States have to media violence including television (cartoons included), video and internet games, movies, and music videos and lyrics. In addition, it presents the many research findings which highlight the powerful mental and physical health effects associated with such constant exposure to violent images.
Regarding exposure, here are several key facts presented in the policy statement.
Children in the United States spend over 6 hours a day using media. With regard to television: the exposure statistics are astounding. 19 % of children under age 2 have a TV in their bedroom 29% of 2-3 year old children have a TV in their bedroom 43% of 4-6 year old children have a TV in their bedroom 68% of 8-17 year olds have a TV in their bedroom (Just under 50% of the older children have playstation / video game systems in the bedroom.)
Facts from the National Television Violence Study (1995-97): (Excellent academic research from 4 US universities evaluating more than 10,000 hours of broadcast programming.) 61% of shows depicted interpersonal violence in an “entertaining or glamorized fashion” The highest proportion of violence was in children’s TV programs. (Fortunately, children’s programming in the US has become much more creative during the last decade, allowing parents a wide range of educational options for their little ones.)
With regard to the Internet:
- 38 % of 10-15 year olds had watched violent scenes on the Internet
With regard to video games:
- More than half of all games are rated as “containing violence”.
- Those include more than 90% of games rated as “appropriate" for children 10 years or older.
Regarding the impact of such constant exposure on children’s and teens’ health, here are several key facts documented by recent as well as longitudinal research presented in the policy statement.
Adverse effects of excessive exposure to media violence including both physical and mental health problems:
- Aggressive and violent behaviors and attitudes
- Bullying (cyberbullying not included in the statement but becoming a public health problem in the United States)
- Nightmares
- Desensitization to violence
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety, depression, PTSD
The policy concludes with action steps for AAP pediatricians, noting that
“interpersonal violence, for victims and perpetrators, is now a more prevalent health risk than infectious disease, cancer, or congenital disorders for children, adolescents, and young adults.”
Read the Report
"The AAP Updated Policy Statement on Media Violence"
click on the above link to read the report
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