‘The current regulatory framework for digital media products is ineffective.’ Using your knowledge
about the role of regulatory bodies and the effects of digital media, discuss the accuracy of this
statement. Use examples to support your answer (20 marks)
Media Product: Grand Theft Auto
Intro-
A media regulatory body is someone who controls or provides guidance by establishing rules,
procedures and laws that are applied by governments to all media products.
Para 1-Ineffective
GTA has a PEGI rating of 18 which means that anyone under the age of 18 cannot buy or play
the game
More than 70% of American kids have played GTA
Kids can get access to GTA through parents buying the game for them, using credit cards
online and through sharing copies with friends
This therefore exposes children that underage to violence, sexual scenes and derogative
behaviour which could have an impact on their behaviour-Bandura Copycat theory
Laura Mulvey-Over sexualisation of women, seen through men’s eyes (Prostitutes)
Walter Lippman Stereotypes-Black men are portrayed as criminals and violent as they are
carrying guns, gangs and drugs
This is because young children are a passive audience so they accept everything they see and
do not question; this could lead them to act more violent when they are older as that has
been what they have been playing
Para 2-Ineffective
Vulnerable being exposed to extreme violence and graphic imagery such as people with
mental health issues can cause psychological issues which could influence them in a
particular way
Bandura Copycat theory-Ryan stone copied scenes from GTA such as the car police chase
and robbing cars in which he was sentenced to 160 years in prison.
Hypodermic syringe model, vulnerable people are injected with ideas presented in GTA
which could have an influence on their behaviour-Ryan Stone
This behaviour would have influenced them as violence and killing people is glorified and
rewarded in GTA through large sums of money and ranking up in the game to unlock better
and more dangerous weapons-McCabe and Martin theory supports hypodermic syringe
model
Para 3-Effective
Uses and gratifications-people play GTA for entertainment and to escape reality, not
everyone becomes violent playing the game
The PEGI rating of 18 is an acceptable rating for the game due to the violent behaviour
and sexual scenes that shouldn’t be viewed by younger children
Not everyone that plays GTA recreates the game in real life-psychological and
sociological issues play a factor in violent behaviour
about the role of regulatory bodies and the effects of digital media, discuss the accuracy of this
statement. Use examples to support your answer (20 marks)
Media Product: Grand Theft Auto
Intro-
A media regulatory body is someone who controls or provides guidance by establishing rules,
procedures and laws that are applied by governments to all media products.
Para 1-Ineffective
GTA has a PEGI rating of 18 which means that anyone under the age of 18 cannot buy or play
the game
More than 70% of American kids have played GTA
Kids can get access to GTA through parents buying the game for them, using credit cards
online and through sharing copies with friends
This therefore exposes children that underage to violence, sexual scenes and derogative
behaviour which could have an impact on their behaviour-Bandura Copycat theory
Laura Mulvey-Over sexualisation of women, seen through men’s eyes (Prostitutes)
Walter Lippman Stereotypes-Black men are portrayed as criminals and violent as they are
carrying guns, gangs and drugs
This is because young children are a passive audience so they accept everything they see and
do not question; this could lead them to act more violent when they are older as that has
been what they have been playing
Para 2-Ineffective
Vulnerable being exposed to extreme violence and graphic imagery such as people with
mental health issues can cause psychological issues which could influence them in a
particular way
Bandura Copycat theory-Ryan stone copied scenes from GTA such as the car police chase
and robbing cars in which he was sentenced to 160 years in prison.
Hypodermic syringe model, vulnerable people are injected with ideas presented in GTA
which could have an influence on their behaviour-Ryan Stone
This behaviour would have influenced them as violence and killing people is glorified and
rewarded in GTA through large sums of money and ranking up in the game to unlock better
and more dangerous weapons-McCabe and Martin theory supports hypodermic syringe
model
Para 3-Effective
Uses and gratifications-people play GTA for entertainment and to escape reality, not
everyone becomes violent playing the game
The PEGI rating of 18 is an acceptable rating for the game due to the violent behaviour
and sexual scenes that shouldn’t be viewed by younger children
Not everyone that plays GTA recreates the game in real life-psychological and
sociological issues play a factor in violent behaviour
