D.C. Today National PTA President Lois Jean White expressed concern about the findings of the National Television Violence Study revealing an increase in the number of prime time broadcast and basic cable shows featuring violence since 1994.
Studies show that television violence can have negative effects on a child s overall well being.
The National PTA will continue to urge the industry to decrease the amount of violence in programming that children may watch. The three-year study focuses on critical features of violent acts that either increase or lessen the risk of harmful effects on child viewers in particular. Previous research has shown that viewing TV violence may cause children to become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others, become more fearful of the world around them, and behave in aggressive ways towards others. The study found that despite public concern, television violence remains glorified. Programs with a strong anti-violence theme are extremely rare.