Pediatricians should ask parents to monitor their children's consumption of all media closely and to limit total television viewing to no more than 1 to 2 hours per day. Consistent efforts should be made to help parents understand that by watching television with their children and discussing the content, they can address many potentially objectionable content areas. Pediatricians are encouraged to become educated about the issue of media violence, to incorporate that information into their anticipatory guidance, and to become advocates for reducing violence in the media. Pediatricians should encourage schools and parents to teach or continue teaching media literacy to children. This involves discussing how the media work, the intent of commercials and programming, and whether their messages are appropriate.
Further research is needed to determine how to mitigate the harmful effects of media violence.
Huston AC, Donnerstein E, Fairchild H, et al. The Role of Television in American Society. Plagens P, Miller M, Foote D, et al. AC Nielsen Company. 1992-1993 Report on Television.