‘Virtual Violence’ is too accessible for children, Pediatricians urge 

"Young Gamers" by OakleyOriginals licensed under CC BY 2.0
Young Gamers” by OakleyOriginals licensed under CC BY 2.0

Source: ABC News

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released an urgent statement that calls to protect children from masses of available ‘virtual violence.’

Calling for a national discussion on the topic, AAP urged that violence is too readily available and normalized in social media, video games, television shows and movies. The policy statement called on doctors and lawmakers to help drive the change to improve barriers between children and virtual violence by informing parents and creating policy around accessibility to violent material.

A 2009 study found that one hour of television can consist of six violent exchanges; it found that 70 percent of children’s programs contain violence; it found that 91 percent of video games labeled appropriate for children are violent.

AAP discussed links between virtual violence and aggression and explained that exposure to such material “can create feelings of distress, victimization, and…fear.”

Read full story at: ABC News

Children & Families, News
Children & Families, News