TV violence 'form of child abuse'

The researchers want the issue to be taken more seriously

The failure of parents to monitor their children's choice of television programmes can be seen as a form of abuse, researchers say.

The University of Birmingham team is calling for parents to protect children from violent images in the same way as they would protect them from drugs.

The family psychology researchers argue that violence in the media causes children to be more aggressive.

They are calling for a "public health approach" to the issue.

The university's Centre for Forensic and Family Psychology argue the availability of video film, satellite and cable television in the home means children have increased access to "inappropriate material".

We are recommending parents exercise the same care with violent entertainment aimed at adults as they do with medication and chemicals around the home Professor Kevin Browne

The researchers are also concerned about the impact of the internet and video and computer games.

The team says studies have "proved" violence in the media increases the likelihood of aggressive behaviour in children, especially in boys.

Professor Kevin Browne, director of the Centre for Forensic and Family Psychology, said: "We are recommending that parents and care-givers exercise the same care with violent media entertainment aimed at adults as they do with medication and chemicals around the home.

"Carelessness with material containing extreme violence and sexual imagery might even be considered a form of emotional child maltreatment.

"There is evidence to suggest that violence in the media has become more acceptable to policy makers and the public over time with more explicit violent imagery than ever before, but research does not support the view that filmmakers will lose revenue by reducing violent imagery."

The university team has published guidelines aimed at reducing the effects of violent imagery on children and adolescents, published in medical journal The Lancet on Friday.