NCJ Number
102794
Editor(s)
G Barlow,
A Hill
Date Published
1985
Length
190 pages
Annotation
This book presents the findings of the British academic working party (part of the Parliamentary Group Video Enquiry established in July 1983) on the extent and effects of children's viewing of violence on home videos.
Abstract
The chapters report on various aspects of the research. A survey of 6,000 school-age children, parents, and teachers in England and Wales determined the extent to which children have viewed adult-oriented violence on home videos. A survey by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, conducted in December 1983 and January 1984, focused on the television viewing habits of those problem families served by the society. Other findings reported were obtained through psychiatric case studies and surveys of psychiatrists, pediatricians, and educators. Findings indicate that large numbers of school-age children have been exposed to videos containing extreme violence. Children with a tendency toward violence or aggressive behavior are attracted to the viewing of these films, and the evidence suggests a causal link between the viewing of violence and violent behavior. Parental attitudes strongly affect a child's video viewing patterns. Suggestions for future research are offered. Appended synopses of 10 violent videos, chapter references, and subject index.