This commentary examines the issue of children's viewing of violence on television, the national responsibility of New Zealanders to become involved in the history and causes of child abuse, and New Zealand's commitment to the "United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child" (UNROC) (1989). In particular, it looks at articles 17 and 19. Article 17 centres on the mass media's responsibility to promote children's social, spiritual and moral well-being and their physical and mental health. Article 19 commands that State Parties to UNROC take legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to ensure the protection of children from all forms of physical or mental violence while in the care of their primary caregiver. The author concludes that children may either become instilled with fear or learn to accept and see violence as commonplace as a result of watching television violence. Several pro-active recommendations are made that would be in accord with the Government's obligation to article 42 of UNROC, which states that the principles and provisions of the Convention should be widely known.

New Zealand Family Law Journal 5(5) March 2006 : 103-104