VSC PUBLISH VIDEO VIOLENCE REPORT

LEADING Watchdog, Video Standards Council, have published a report, which states there is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove a connection between screen violence and actual violence.
The report ‘Video Violence – villain or victim?’ was commissioned by the VSC and prepared by Dr Guy Cumberbatch, a psychologist and leading media violence specialist.
The report states: “If one conclusion is possible, it is that the jury is not still out. It’s never been in. Media violence has been subjected to lynch mob mentality with almost any evidence used to prove guilt.”
The booklet published provides a review of and commentary on the research evidence dealing with the alleged link between screen violence and real violence and crime.
The VSC do not argue that there is not or cannot be any link. They do argue however that whenever the subject is debated that all sides of the argument should be properly considered.
The review and commentary can be found on the VSC website at www.videostandards.org.uk/news. (CMcL)