The Pope made the statements in a message to mark the church's World Communications Day.

"Any trend to produce programs and products - including animated movies and video games - which in the name of entertainment exalt violence and portray anti-social behaviour or the trivilization of human sexuality is a perversion, all the more repulsive  when these programs are directed at children and adolescents," he said.

"I appeal to the leaders of the media industry to educated and encourage producers to safeguard the common good, to uphold the truth, to protect individual human dignity and promote respect for the needs of the family."

Benedict also suggested that children should be encouraged to enjoy classic literature, fine arts and "uplifting music".