Reducing media viewing and exposure to violence

Brief primary care interventions can reduce media viewing and exposure to violence. Compared with controls, parents of 2- to 12-year-olds who received either of 2 brief interventions during a well-child visit were more likely to report decreased media time and exposure to violent media as well as more reading and active time. In 1 intervention, parents viewed a 5-minute video that illustrates the recognized risks of children’s exposure to violent media and recommends limiting children’s media viewing. In the other intervention, parents read the American Academy of Pediatrics handout, “Pulling the Plug on TV Violence,” which also recommends limiting media exposure and not having a TV in the child’s bedroom (Neely JA, et al. Acad Pediatr. 2013;13[6]:531-539).

MS FREEDMAN is a freelance medical editor and writer in New Jersey. DR BURKE, section editor for Journal Club, is chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Saint Agnes Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. He is a contributing editor for Contemporary Pediatrics. The editors have nothing to disclose in regard to affiliations with or financial interests in any organizations that may have an interest in any part of this article.