Psychology TopicsKids & 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
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The impact of food advertising on childhood obesity
Research has found strong associations between increases in advertising for nonnutritious foods and rates of childhood obesity.
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Violence in the Media — Psychologists Study TV and Video Game Violence for Potential Harmful Effects
Decades of psychological research confirms that media violence can increase aggression.
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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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YouTube depictions of drunkenness are light on consequences
February 20, 2015, The Washington Post
Monitor on Psychology Articles
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Video game play may provide learning, health, social benefits, review finds
February 2014
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What draws us to Facebook
March 2013
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Is technology ruining our kids?
October 2011
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Facebook: Friend or foe?
October 2011
Books
APA Offices and Programs
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Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls
The APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls 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.