June 26, 2007

ARTICLES / REGULATIONS: Lawmakers examine media's impact on children (USA) - includes link to WEBCAST

Lawmakers examine media's impact on children

6/25/2007 12:22 PM - By: Tara Mergener | CNN

From smoking to eating to acting out, critics argue that what kids see on
television and in the movies affects their choices and behavior.

"Common sense tells us that when media glorifies violence, promiscuous sex
and other forms of questionable behavior, as a society we're undermining the
very principles we seek to uphold," Rep. Nathan Deal, R-Georgia, said.

There are growing concerns over childhood obesity. A Kaiser Family
Foundation study from 2005 found that in 1,600 hours of commercials, kids
saw food advertised more than anything else. And the majority of those ads
were for candy and snacks.

"We have to start shifting the balance of those unhealthy food ads. The fact
that no fruits and vegetables are being advertised is pretty frightening,"
Patti Miller of Children Now said. Lawmakers heard from TV industry reps and
parents' groups about adult themes and negative advertising aimed at kids.

Lawmakers heard both sides of the debate at a House hearing in Washington
called The Images Kids See on the Screen. A panel examined the negative
things that children may be exposed to on TV, such as violence, product
placement, fatty foods and smoking, and what should be done about it.

FULL ARTICLE AT:

http://www.news8austin.com/content/your_news/default.asp?ArID=186833

VIDEO / WEBCAST - and testimonies as pdf files - AT:

http://energycommerce.house.gov/cmte_mtgs/110-ti-hrg.062207.ImagesKidsSEE.shtml
_________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network - Coordinator

Youth Media Consulting GbR
c/o ECMC (European Centre for Media Competence)
Bergstr. 8 / 11th floor
D-45770 Marl - Germany

Tel./Fax: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

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