Violent Games: Good or Bad

I was shocked when I heard about the Newtown shooting. It’s possible that violent video games could have played a part in this, though. It’s scary to think about, but some kids that play violent games could be like that. They might not, though, because research shows that the video games alone will not cause violent behavior.

Most kids just play video games to relieve stress from the day without being mean to someone. Video games are a better way to let out anger instead of hurting other kids. All the button pushing and watching the screen is mindless activity that distracts them from the stressors in their life. “Studies show that thirty minutes of playing video games can reduce stress levels significantly.” Playing video games is like living in a fantasy world and gives the mind a vacation. But the parents need to know that is happening. Instead of peace, it might be a gun shooting.

Parents shouldn’t blame the kids. They should be more aware of the video games their children are playing. Most parents just care if there is nudity, but that’s not the only bad part. Many of the rated mature games show images of sex, violence, drugs, and foul language. For example, the game Call of Duty has a mission where you walk into an airport and murder everyone inside of it. Parents need to be aware of the content of these games and teach their kids the difference between fantasy and reality.

The manufacturers need to get the message across when a game is too violent.  The game makers should make sure mature games aren’t being sold to young kids.

The retailers who sell the games should check the ages of the kids buying them and not sell inappropriate games to them. They might also advise the parent about the content of the game. Most parents will say yes because that is why they are there. They should just say no in the first place. Some are even trying to back away from violent games, but they’re too high in demand.

There is a way to help, though. Parents can help spread the word about the games and their effects on children. It might stop some of the violence and aggression. But there is one more thing parents should do. They should check the rating and why it’s rated that because sometimes it’s rated that for a reason.  

Sources:

"If Your Kid's Playing M-Rated Games, You Can't Blame The Retailer ..." 2013. 6 Jun. 2013 <http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130326/18405322474/if-your-kids-playing-m-rated-games-you-cant-blame-retailer.shtml>

"Can Video Games Help Reduce Stress? - Yahoo! Voices - voices ..." 2011. 6 Jun. 2013 <http://voices.yahoo.com/can-video-games-help-reduce-stress-226134.html>

"Should children play violent video games? – Debate.org." 2012. 6 Jun. 2013 <http://www.debate.org/opinions/should-children-play-violent-video-games>

"Violent Video Games: Myths, Facts, and Unanswered Questions." 2003. 6 Jun. 2013 <http://www.apa.org/science/psa/sb-anderson.html>