Kids & the media
Kids and the media is a growing concern. Even very young children in our society get a big daily dose of television, video games and music lyrics. While such media can provide education and entertainment, they can also damage children. Research shows that exposure to violent media can result in aggressive attitudes and violent behavior in some children and adolescents.
Adapted from “Media violence and children” (ACT Against Violence)
Understanding Media's Impact on Children
- The impact of food advertising on childhood obesity
Research has found strong associations between increases in advertising for non-nutritious foods and rates of childhood obesity.
- Violence in the Media - Psychologists Help Protect Children from Harmful Effects
Decades of psychological research confirms that media violence can increase aggression.
- U.S. children: overweight and oversexed?
Psychologists decry the cultural and marketing trends that are undermining children's mental—and physical—health.
Getting Help
News
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Cyber-bullying highlighted in death of 9-year-old girl
January 12, 2012, Fox News
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Review shows alcohol companies reach youth online
January 8, 2012, Baltimore Sun
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Are smartphones and tablets good for children?
November 17, 2011, Washington Post
Monitor on Psychology Articles
- Is technology ruining our kids?
October 2011
- Facebook: Friend or foe?
October 2011
- Violent video games: Are kids playing their hearts out?
November 2010
- Mini-multitaskers
February 2009
- Creating a place for MySpace
November 2007
Books
- Featuring Females
June 2005
- Jenny Is Scared! When Sad Things Happen in The World
May 2003
- Parenting That Works
September 2002
APA Offices and Programs
- Sexualization of Girls
This task force found that the proliferation of sexualized images of girls and young women in advertising, merchandising, and media is harmful to girls' self-image and healthy development.
