Studies linking TV viewing to violence short on evidence

STUDIES LINKING TV VIEWING TO VIOLENCE SHORT ON EVIDENCE
[SOURCE: Asbury Park Press, AUTHOR: Paul K. McMasters, First Amendment Center]
[Commentary] Children whine about monsters under their beds, but their parents have more adult fears: They cower under the covers whimpering about those scary television sets in their living rooms. But there is no sure way to predict how media, violent or otherwise, will affect a particular individual. While some links between TV viewing and defined effects are suggested, it is a rare study that asserts a cause-and-effect relationship. Hours of TV watched daily by children have increased dramatically over the past three decades, yet the rate of youthful violence declined dramatically during that same period. Another uncomfortable fact is a clear link between this cycle of panic and bad public policy. When legislators and regulators punish and restrict certain programming, choices for viewers, creators and broadcasters dwindle. Attention and resources are diverted from real problems affecting children's well-being. And the role parents should play — and that polls say the overwhelming majority want to play — in guiding children's choices is usurped or compromised.
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