Over the past decade there has been literally thousands of studies and reports on the impact of media content on children.  The vast majority of these studies  conclude that children are indeed vulnerable to the message conveyed in TV shows, movies, and games -- and that the impact can be harmful. 

 

I agree with these studies.  I believe that television programming, music, and video games have a strong influence on children, including a child’s perception of safe and reasonable behavior.

 

I believe that there is a compelling government interest to understand and protect children from manipulative and destructive content.

 

And, I believe that it is good business for business to develop content that is appropriate for kids.

 

I hope that this hearing will start debate on meaningful initiatives to protect children from harmful content.  I further hope that industry and advertisers will take proactive steps to reforming the current trends in violent and sexual content.

 

I look forward to hearing from the witnesses on this pressing issue.