Children and Adolescents on Television: A Consistent Pattern of Devaluation

Abstract

This analysis of data collected on major and minor characters in annual week-long samples of prime-time and weekend-daytime network dramatic programs broadcast between 1969 and 1985 found that children are very underrepresented on television. Children under 10 make up less than 2 percent of the characters in prime-time programs and only 3.6 percent of the characters in weekend-daytime programs. Early, and especially late adolescents are seen more frequently, especially in weekend-daytime programs. Children on television are presented in limiting roles that often serve to enhance adult roles rather than present childhood and children in a favorable way. Children are too often victimized, portrayed in ill health, and in the later adolescent years, seen smoking and drinking, with a few even using or experimenting with drugs. The overall image is one that conveys a sense of unimportance and devaluation of children and childhood.

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