Childhood Under Siege: Confronting Violence in the Media and Entertainment Industry

TORONTO, Oct. 19, 2011 /CNW/ - Violence in various media is pervasive. The negative and destructive effects of violent movies, video games, TV programs, music lyrics, internet and television programs are well-researched. They are directly linked to safety in schools and in our communities. Our children and youth are their daily targets. As a society we can't afford to be complacent about the invasive power of the media and entertainment industry to influence young people. We have to counter the negative influences through strengthening critical media awareness.

"Tools must be placed in the hands of students, parents and educators to challenge the insidious and toxic effects of media violence," said Dr. Peter Jaffe, trustee for the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) and member of the Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario. "Research has shown that the single most effective action we can take to reduce aggression in schools today is to educate children and adolescents about the destructive effects of violent videos, music and television programs and to help students be more informed and critical users of media."

To that end, a provincial conference titled When Violence Becomes Entertaining: Recapturing Childhood and Adolescence from the Toxic Influence of Media  is scheduled for October 20-21 at the Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Rd, London Ontario.

Over 500 educators, parents, students and community professionals from the social service, health and justice systems are attending the conference to learn more about the harmful impact of media violence and what our communities can do to address the problem. The Thames Valley District School Board is sending over 250 administrators and teachers as part of the board's safe schools initiatives. The conference is sponsored by provincial associations of trustees, teacher federations and parents together with Western and the Centre for Prevention Science (CAMH).

Conference presentations include:

• A panel on the media role in sports violence and its consequences lead by Toronto neurosurgeon, Dr. Charles Tator, and former NHL player Georges Laraque who will address the long term consequences of violence in hockey.
• Medway High School's media studies teacher Katie Cole, this year's recipient of the Premier's teacher of the year award, will address the current challenges and prevention strategies in confronting media violence.
• Award winning educator TVDSB's Toni Wilson and her troupe of actors who will provide parents and educators a chance to intervene in situations with a new interactive theatre production.
• Senior OPP officer S/Sgt. Robyn MacEachern and a young victim of internet luring.
• Leading researcher on media violence, Dr. Craig Anderson from Iowa State University.
• Smaller workshops for parents, teachers and students on a host of topics including cyber-bullying, internet safety, innovative curriculum and how to enhance media literacy for our students.

Full program When Violence Becomes Entertaining: Recapturing Childhood and Adolescence from the Toxic Influence of Media available at http://www.crvawc.ca/section-events/index.htm#violence

For further information:

Peter Jaffe, Professor, Faculty of Education, Western 519-661-2018, [e-mail]

Ray Hughes, National Coordinator, CAMH centre for Prevention Science 519-858-5144 [e-mail]

Barb Sonier, Superintendent for Safe Schools, TVDSB 519-452-2000 [e-mail]

Jeff Sprang, OPSBA Communications, [phone]