Considering policies to protect children from TV violence

Author(s): Warren, R.

Journal/Book: J Commun. 1996; 46: Journals Dept, 2001 Evans Rd, Cary, NC 27513. Oxford Univ Press Inc. 116-138.

Abstract: For decades, lawmakers have been debating what they can do to protect children from the harmful effects of violence on television. The debate has intensified recently with three major proposals: (a) to require manufacturers to install a V-chip into all new televisions so parents can program their sets, thus preventing their children from being exposed to violence; (b) to require television programmers to display a violence rating for each program; and (c) to limit the showing of violent programs to ''safe harbors'' when children are not viewing. In the winter of 1996, Congress passed the Telecommunication Competition and Deregulation Act, which, among other things, adopted the first two proposals. We argue that the thinking behind each of these proposals is fundamentally flawed.

Note: Article WJ Potter, Univ Calif Santa Barbara, Dept Commun, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA

Keyword(s): REAL-LIFE AGGRESSION; VICTIMS PAIN CUES; TELEVISION VIOLENCE; VIEWER AGGRESSION; MEDIA VIOLENCE; BEHAVIOR; TOLERATION; EXPOSURE; LEVEL; WOMEN

Zurück | Weiter