It is everyone's responsibility to see that our children are exposed to less TV violence and to more developmentally appropriate programs. The television industry cannot be expected to stop profitable programing on their own, any more than the tobacco industry will voluntarily stop selling tobacco. Social responsibility and quality programming will rarely take precedence over profits. As long as violence in programs holds large audiences, it means money that the industry does not want to lose.
Parents and Teachers
Parents and educators have a responsibility to help children learn to monitor their own TV viewing. Children need adults to explain the reasons for their views about specific programs, television time limits, and their overall daily schedule. Children must be free to express their thinking. They need to understand why certain portrayals of the world are inaccurate and why violent solutions to problems are not the best. They need to know what to look for in programs. Why should television time or time for any other activity be limited? Children need to be part of the decision-making process as much as possible. This will help them to become critical viewers.
KIDSNET is a national resource for children's television and radio programs. It includes a media guide to programs and support materials for preschool through high school students. It also includes program ratings from the new voluntary broadcast industry's program rating system. KIDNET selections are based on one or more of the following criteria. The program must
- contain educational/informational material to benefit children's learning;
- include material that improves fundamental intellectual skills in academic discipline;
- teach skills in conflict resolution and critical thinking;
- encourage awareness and understanding of prosocial behavior and relationships, issues of motivation/self-esteem, and/or an appreciation of multiculturalism;
- reflect creativity, originality and innovation;
- include information on health and/or social issues for children;
- not reflect gratuitous violence or inappropriate sexual activity. http//www.kidsnet.org/ (2002).
Parental Involvement
There is a strong consensus that parents should monitor, discuss, view together, and set limits with children on children's TV viewing. Parents need to:
- know the contents of the program, the commercials, and available ratings;
- watch and listen to children's responses;
- discuss with children the programs and the amount of viewing time and set limits;
- discuss the content, taking advantage of concepts to be stressed or to be questioned;
- use children's television viewing time for enjoyment and valuable learning experiences;
- help develop a well-rounded schedule of play, reading, homework, athletics, and the arts.
New technology makes it possible for parents and children to choose ahead of time what TV programs they want to view. Using a video recorder allows selected programs to be viewed at another time. An electronic lock (the V-chip) permits parents to preset the channels and times available.
Education of the Public by Professionals
Educators, public health leaders, and researchers can provide the public with information on the hazards of television violence. The American Academy of Pediatrics has guidelines available for parents to follow in choosing and monitoring their children's TV viewing. They believe limiting children's exposure to television violence should be part of a public health agenda along with automobile safety seats, bicycle helmets, immunizations, and good nutrition (Centerwelt 1992).
Congress needs to pass legislation to reduce violence in children's programs that does not violate First Amendment rights. First Amendment scholars have some positive proposals. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) needs to reduce the violence seen in children's programs. The link-up of children's programs with toys must be banned as it was before the 1984 deregulation. Advocacy groups need to keep informing the public of the current issues involved. Together they can continue to pressure the television industry, Congress, and the FCC for effective regulations on violence in children's programs and all programs seen during children's prime viewing hours.
The public must let the television industry and their advertisers know what programs and products they support and what programs and advertised products they oppose or boycott.
Conclusion
Television continues to be a powerful force in society. What kind of a teacher will the viewers allow it to be? Will television programs continue to glamorize violence, either in children's programing or in "entertainment" programs? Will television programs continue to give children misleading solutions to conflicts, or will they show a variety of accurate and more effective solutions? Will the industry provide higher quality educational programs?
In its role as an educator, will television give us more information on health and public safety issues? Television can be a good educator. For example, it did present the hazards of smoking. Will television be used to inform the public of the harm for children and for society of watching too much TV or too violent programs? Will programs show a more accurate view of men and women in today's society with a greater range of opportunities for women as well as men? Will individuals from diverse backgrounds be shown on TV working together and appreciating each other's differences? In general will television programs give a more accurate picture of the world and U.s. society? Do the air waves really belong to the people, or do they belong to the networks and/or the advertisers?
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