Rachel C. Flores¹, Deborah C. Glik, ScD¹, Shirley S. Kwok², and Cristina Punzalan¹. (1) School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, P. O. Box 951772, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, 310 267 2527, rcflores@ucla.edu, (2) Community Health Sciences, UCLA School of Public Health, 419-D Park Vista Street, Anaheim, CA 92806

In the real world, American children get about 6-8 colds a year; the number can increase to 12 for children in school. In contrast, television depictions regularly show children getting drenched in water, touching each other, eating without washing their hands, handling animals, rolling on the floor, and hanging out in germ-ridden areas without suffering so much as a sniffle. Recognizing that children in the United States watch an average of three to five hours of television a day, and that television is known to influence children’s perceptions and behaviors of health-related issues, in early 2004, a content analysis was conducted to assess infectious disease symptom and preventative care behavior in today’s top children’s television programs. Behaviors related to influenza, pertussis, pneumonia, and the common cold were tracked, as were depiction “opportunities” related to food handling, object sharing, physical contact, the environment, weather and attire, and instances where immunization and health care issues could be addressed. Study findings were presented to children’s television producers, writers, researchers, and standards-and-practices executives (public interest “watchdogs” in the television industry) in a briefing that included experts in disease prevention, children’s health, psychology, and education. The presentation – designed to win the attention of television creatives and executives alike – highlighted the need for more conscientious depictions of infectious disease control themes in children’s media. Also discussed were children’s understanding of health and illness, and exemplary depictions from the analyzed shows. Video clips from the presentation will be included.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. The audience will learn about media content analysis using popular television programming.
  7. The audience will discuss how to appeal to television industry interests when approaching the industry for public health objectives.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.