ERIC Number: ED060664
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1972-Mar-21
Pages: 6
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Statement Before the Senate Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Communications.
Duval, Merlin K.
The impact of television (TV) on children has been examined many times, and concern over potential connections between viewed violence and antisocial behavior has grown. The National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence concluded in 1969 that violence on television encourages real violence, especially among the children of poor, disorganized families. The report of the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Surgeon General concerning past studies and the five volumes of commissioned research on television and social behavior makes a major contribution to understanding the role of television in influencing the social behavior of children. The report and its underlying research make clear that there is evidence to support the hypothesis that the viewing of violence on television can lead to antisocial behavior. This is particularly disturbing because violence figures so prominently in television entertainment. While it is clearly beyond dispute that a reduction in the violent content of television is most desirable, it is not our place to suggest means for achieving this. However, we are carefully analyzing the report to identify additional follow-up study areas so that we can broaden our base of knowledge. (The author is the ass't. secretary for health and scientific affairs of the Dept. of Health, Education, and Welfare.) (SH)
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