Research studies on the effects and influence of television on society has shown:
· That the average American child stares at more than 11,000 murders on television by the age of 14.
· That most American children spend more time before a set than with their teacher in any one year.
· That in a national survey many young viewers claimed to watch television for up to 46 hours a week.
· That TV has created a ‘vast tribe of mini-stars, pop-idols, schmaltzy gurus, talking-heads, telegogues and cardboard ‘personalities’ whose only achievement is to be on the box.
· That TV causes lethargy in children.
· That television is responsible for the falling standard of literacy.
· That millions of dollars are spent by advertisers to ‘brainwash’ children by means of television to increase demand for consumer goods.
· That television makes viewers insensitive to violence perpetrated by others.
· That public apathy and failure to respond to a victim’s cries for help is blamed on television.
· That television is detrimental to the physical and mental health of children.