Children and Violent Video Games
Children and Violent Video Games
Research Question: Are violent video games appropriate for children?
Video games have been in the market for over 30years. With increased technological advancement, more video games continue to be invested. Video games can positively impact the child as it increases their dexterity and mental alertness. However, the emergence of video games has raised concerns over the negative effect it may have on the children. Violent video games encourage aggressive behavior. These video games give the notion that being violent is cool hence motivate the children to be aggressive in the school and home environment. I chose this research topic due to the increasing popularity in violent video games.
Violent games have taken over the arena of computer games and have become top sellers compared to non-violent video games. Various research studies indicate that children have a tendency to try out what they see on television and acts of violence in video games is no exception. Violent video games expose children to guns, bombs, snipers and many other violent vices. It is no longer shocking to see children as young as three create imaginative guns suing their fingers and attempt to shoot their opponent, mostly a sibling. According to these children, what they see on the video games is normal. In reality though, the actions of the children are a reflection of over exposure to violent scenes from technology such as video games. It is evident that violent video games have a negative effect on the psychological welfare of the child and should thus be controlled.Video games fail to teach children the moral consequences of their actions.
In violent games involving shooting, a child gets more points when he shoots an opponent. The violent games create the mentality that violent acts can be rewarding. In reality, this perception is wrong as acts of violence results to punishment. According to the according to Bushman, & Anderson, (2002) violent video games encourage children to be aggressive, less caring and less concerned about their peers. Children need to grow in an environment that fosters self control, responsibility and formation of bonds. Unfortunately, with uncontrolled access to violent games, children are exposed to violence which is glorified hence encourage children to copy the violent behavior. It is evident that violent games are inappropriate for children welfare and development (Gentile, & Walsh, (2004). According to Gentile, & Walsh, (2004) it may be difficult to eliminate video games from the children’s lives as they are popular and available almost everywhere. However, parents and guardians should monitor and regulate the video games of their children. Most video games have ratings to indicate the suitability of the video to the child. Parents should select video games applicable for the child. This will minimize the negative impact and exposure to violent games.
Reference
Bushman, B. & Anderson, C. (2002). Violent Video Games and Hostile Expectations. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. Vol. 28: 1679-1686.
Gentile, D. A., & Walsh, D. (2004). The effects of violent video game on adolescent hostility, aggressive behaviors and school performance. Journal of Adolescence, Vol. 27:5-22.
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