The violence portrayed on television, movies, video games, and in certain types of music is increasing violence among children, decreasing their sensitivity to real-life violence and making them more likely to use violence during conflicts, according to a joint statement issued by four leading medical groups. These groups are:

• American Medical Association (AMA)
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• American Psychological Association

Some of the interesting quotes from this joint declaration:

• "At this time, well over 1000 studies ... point overwhelmingly to a causal connection between media violence and aggressive behavior in some children."

• "Its effects are measurable and long-lasting."

• "The conclusion of the public health community, based on over 30 years of research, is that viewing entertainment violence can lead to increases in aggressive attitudes, values and behaviors, particularly in children,"

• "The average American child spends as much as 28 hours a week watching television, and typically at least an hour a day playing video games or surfing the Internet. Several more hours each week are spent watching movies and videos, and listening to music."

According to the official statement entertainment violence can have the following effects on children:

• Children are more likely to view violence as an effective way of settling conflicts and assume that acts of violence are acceptable behavior.

• Can lead to emotional desensitization towards violence in real life, and may decrease the likelihood that one will assist a victim when violence occurs.

• Feeds a perception that the world is a violent and mean place, which can increase fear of becoming a victim of violence. This may result in an increase in self-protective behaviors and mistrust of others.

• May lead to real life violence. Children exposed to violent programming at a young age have a higher tendency for violent and aggressive behavior later in life than children who are not so exposed.

Another expert in the field, Dr. Dina Borzekowski, of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, brings up the fact that news programs may be having negative effects as well. In addition to the routine violence in the news, unlike most movies, violent criminals often get away with their crimes without being caught or punished, which may lead some kids to think that there are really no serious consequences to be faced.

The joint statement was issued at a Public Health Summit organized by US Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kansas). To read the entire statement CLICK HERE.

Joint Statement Issued at Public Health Summit Washington, DC July, 2000