A COLUMN BY Dick Rolfe Chairman, THE DOVE FOUNDATION

May 1996

TV Violence Study Confirms Fears

"Though not all children will imitate media violence, certain children who are exposed to repeated depictions of a particular nature are at risk for such learning." This quote from the first report of the National Television Violence Study, released in February, sums up the fears of parents the world over about the impact of media violence on their children.

The study, involving randomly selected programs on 23 TV channels over 20 weeks, was conducted by leading media researchers at four major universities, under the direction of MediaScope, a nonprofit organization under contract with the National Cable Television Association (NCTA).

The report lists several key findings:

1. The context in which most violence is presented on television poses risks for viewer;
2. Perpetrators go unpunished in 73% of all violent scenes;
3. The negative consequences of violence are often not portrayed in violent programming;
4. 25% of violent interactions on TV involve the use of a handgun;
5. Only 4% of violent programs emphasize an anti-violence theme;

The National Television Violence Study report makes a number of recommendations for parents, the television industry and public policy-makers.

For Parents:

1. Be aware of the three potential risks associated with viewing televised violence:
   • learning aggressive attitudes and behaviors;
   • fear;
   • desensitization.
2. Consider the context of violent depictions in making viewing decisions for children.
3. Consider a child's developmental level when making viewing decisions.
4. Recognize that different program types pose different risks for children.
5. Watch television with your child, and encourage critical evaluation.

For the Television Industry:

1. Produce more programs that avoid violence; if a program does contain violence, keep the number of violent incidents low.
2. Be creative in showing:
   • more violent acts being punished;
   • more negative consequences both short and long term of violent acts;
   • more alternatives to the use of violence in solving problems.
3. When violence is presented, consider greater emphasis on a strong anti-violence theme.
4. Increase the use of program advisories and other content information before violent programming.

For Public Policy-Makers:

1. Continue to monitor the nature and extent of violence on television;
2. Recognize that context is an essential aspect of television violence.

This study points to something revolutionary. Everyone needs improvement. We all share the blame for the media dilemma we see. No one can or should point the finger at another. Proper behavior begins with each one of us doing the right thing rather than expending all our efforts criticizing others.

One mother solved the violence-on-TV problem in her home by telling her children that they may watch any evening show until someone gets hurt or killed. Every evening, shouts of "Don't hurt him! Don't hurt him," came from the TV room. Time in front of the television set is down to about five minutes a night.

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Dick Rolfe is Chairman of The Dove Foundation a nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage and promote the creation, production and distribution of wholesome family entertainment. For more information about wholesome films and videos, write: 535 E. Fulton, Suite 1A, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or call (616)454-5024.

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Updated by: Scott Rolfe
IT Director,
The Dove Foundation

Copyright © 1996, The Dove Foundation. All rights reserved.