In April 1994, the Professional Association of Teachers published its own report, The Street of the Pied Piper, a survey of teachers’ perceptions of the effects on children of new entertainment technologies. The survey, which attracted considerable media interest, concluded that children were profoundly affected by TV programmes and videos. Our members reported increased aggression and desensitisation to the feelings of others among pupils who had seen violent programmes and films.

With violence increasing, parents, film-makers, regulators and the Government need to take responsibility for what children are seeing.

GEOFFREY CARVER

Senior professional officer Professional Association of Teachers Derby