Watchdog Report Finds Children's TV Programs Are More Violent Than Prime-Time Adult Shows

A media watchdog group has released a report that finds that children’s television programs are more violent that those shown during prime time.
Parents Television Council analyzed entertainment targeted for children. Its report, “Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing: A Content Analysis of Children’s Television,” found that programming for children was more than twice as violent as prime-time shows, which are geared for adults. Ken Haller, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, says the report is a call for parents to keep tabs on what their children watch on television. “The report is not surprising,” he says. “What it really points out is it’s important for parents to pay attention to the ratings of a show, not just the channel the show is on. Allowing children access to shows that are not rated appropriately may allow them to see things that parents wouldn’t really be happy with about them seeing.” The report also underscores the importance of parents following the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations on TV watching. “Limit the hours you allow a child watch television, don’t let your child have a TV in his or her room and watch TV with your children so you are aware of what they’re watching,” he says. Haller, who also is a SLUCare pediatrician at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, has given presentations on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Media Matters public awareness campaign, which examines the influences of television on the behavior of children. (Source: Saint Louis University: March 2006.)