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AMA offers prescription to cure TV violence
September 10, 1996
Web posted at: 2:30 a.m. EDTFrom Correspondent Jim Moret
LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- The "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" have a new nemesis - the American Medical Association.
The national doctor's association cited the fictional characters Monday as an example of a "destructive influence" on children, as they recommended parental guidelines for children's viewing. (18 sec./ 770K QuickTime movie )
"Our kids spend more time today learning about life through media than from any other source," said Dr. John Nelson, an AMA trustee. "They spend twice as much time in front of the television as they do in front of a school teacher."
Many doctors believe that what children see is harmful to their health.
"Even in cartoon violence, we see victims that really don't die," said clinical psychologist Evelyn Kohan. "But people do die when they're shot with guns, and people really do die when people hurt them in violent ways. Our children have to know that."
To combat societal violence, the AMA offered a prescription for parents to give their children, including:
- avoiding the use of TV, videos or video games as a baby-sitter,
- limiting TV use to one to two quality hours per day,
- keeping TVs and VCRs out of children's bedrooms,
- turning off the TV during mealtimes,
- turning the TV on only when there is something specific to watch, and
- limiting their own TV viewing.
Some producers and executives already recognize the entertainment industry's responsibility.
"You have an official body really coming on board and treating it as a national malady," said Beth Sullivan, executive producer of CBS' "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," recently honored for its wholesome values.
Still, many in the industry believe the ultimate responsibility remains at home.
"I wouldn't let my kids watch my show until they reach a certain age," said David Milch, executive producer of ABC's "N.Y.P.D. Blue," a show with a viewer disclaimer.
Kathy Baker, who won the Emmy for best actress in a drama series Sunday in CBS' now-canceled "Picket Fences," also advocates parental responsibility.
"There are so many shows I could name that are incredible and worthy for children to sit and watch," Baker said. "There's an on-off button on the television set and people (have) got to use it."
Related stories:
- Parents must ration TV to cut teen-age violence - September 9, 1996
- Study: Harmful violence pervades TV - February 7, 1996
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