Kids, Toys and Virtual Violence

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One commentator says, -It looks like Barbie went ballistic,- She-s talking about Forward Command Post--a dollhouse that-s part of a combat zone. JC Penny and others are selling it for children five years and up. Yet, as this Christmas season brings war toys for four and five year olds, video games are more brutal than ever. In many of the games which are supposedly for adults only, participants act as criminals bent on murder and the abuse of women. Does violent play turn into violent action? In this age of virtual reality, an old question takes on a powerful new urgency. We hear a spirited discussion about children-s toys, parental behavior and consumer demand from members of a group opposed to violent games for children, video and toy industry trade organizations, and experts on the impact of media on children.
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Senator Trent Lott

Senator Bill Frist

Senator Mitch McConnell

Senator Don Nickles

Federal Trade Commission Reports on Marketing of Violent Entertainment to Kids

Lion and Lamb's Dirty Dozen

Lion and Lamb-s Top 20

MediaWise Video Game Report Card

Australia's National Sorry Day

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney