See also:
Firearms, Handguns and Assault Weapons
Hate Crimes
Violence (Position Paper)
Violence, Media (Position Paper)
Family and Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse
Child Abuse
Violence, Bullying
Violence, Illegal Acts Against Physicians and Other Health Professionals
Violence as a Public Health Concern
Violence in the Media
The AAFP is strongly opposed to the portrayal of violence in all media formats without attention to the consequences of injuries, injury prevention practices or historical context. Clinicians and researchers have warned that exposure to media violence may stimulate children and adolescents to use aggressive behavior to achieve goals or resolve conflicts. The AAFP encourages its members to become knowledgeable about the problems associated with exposure to such violence and similarly to educate their patients.
The AAFP supports community and legislative efforts focusing on the reduction of violence in the media and our children's exposure, such as the media rating system already used in many states. Parents should be encouraged to:
The AAFP supports community and legislative efforts focusing on the reduction of violence in the media and our children's exposure, such as the media rating system already used in many states. Parents should be encouraged to:
- set limits on TV and Internet use,
- screen the programs their children view to assure appropriateness for age and maturity,
- employ parental controls on media devices whenever possible, and
- seek alternatives for using the media for babysitting and entertainment.
(2000) (2006)
