Effect of Violent Video Games on Children
Before I became a mother, I had the idea that my kids wouldn’t be exposed to video games in the house. Maybe I would even throw out the TV! Fast forward to now when my son is about to celebrate his third birthday. He watches more TV than I had ever intended and while he hasn’t played any video games yet, he enjoys watching his father indulge.
At a Sunday buffet lunch in a nearby hotel, the children’s play area had two video game consoles set-up. One of the games running was Grand Theft Auto (I’m not going to link to it because it’s too violent to be associated with) and some boys around age 10-12 were playing. Their parents were too busy eating and socializing to be bothered, but I was bothered for them!
Not all experts agree with Jayne Nadarajoo, director, White Lodge Learning Centre, Singapore, who thinks that violent video games desensitizes children. (The Straits Times, July 27, 2005)
Too many computer games are about blowing up something or someone who is in your way. That’s not how life works.
Mark Griffiths, professor of gambling studies at Nottingham Trent University, does not believe playing video games in moderation has any serious side effects. In fact, Prof. Griffiths says that computer games are particularly helpful for children undergoing painful treatment or for children with attention deficit disorders. (BBC News, July 15, 2005)
On balance, there is little evidence that moderate frequency of play has serious adverse effects, but more evidence is needed on excessive play and on defining what constitutes excess in the first place.
It is not possible to say what is cause and effect. These could be aggressive individuals who sought out these games.
And aggression could stem from seeing violence on TV or in the home.
From my experience and observations, I believe that parents and peers influence children much more than any TV show or video game. Children are not dummies. They know what is pretend and what is real. That said, I won’t be rushing out to buy my son his own Xbox anytime soon. His father will just have to learn to share.
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Computer Games for Kids
1 opinion for Effect of Violent Video Games on Children
Richard
Feb 15, 2007 at 11:22 am
Your son is not going to be influenced negatively by the videogames. If he will become a violent child it will depend only on the education he has been provided with.
I play war videogames and from time to time warhammer, that did not transform me in a violent person, on the contrary, I didn’t even laid a finger on someone.
It all depends on the education recieved. If you are patient enough to teach your children not to be violent in real life, he won’t become violent, wether he plays violent videogames or not.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: