The Effects of Video Game Violence on Children

The arrival of the new generation of ultra-violent video games that began in the early 1990’s has continued to grow and attract a large number of children and youths to participate in the entertaining violence that goes beyond anything available on T.V. or movies. These graphic, violent games have parents concerned about possible effects they have on their children, and many are taking steps to prevent the aggressive influences brought on by these games.

Video games were first introduced in 1970. Since then, they have become a favorite activity and past time for many of today’s youth. While many of the games are educational or based on heroes, others allow players to rob or even murder innocent bystanders using a wide variety of weapons. According to Psychologist Craig Anderson, PhD, “Playing a lot of violent video games is related to having more aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.” However, research suggests that instead of banning video games from children, parents should simply limit their child’s playing time and monitor their choice of games.

According to the American Psychological Association, parents should expect video games to have an even greater impact on their children for the following three reasons:

Children are more likely to imitate the actions of a character with whom they identify. In violent games, the player is often required to take the point of view of the shooter or perpetrator.

Video games require active participation rather than passive observation.

Repetition increases learning. Video games involve a great deal of repetition. If the games are violent, then the effect is a behavioral rehearsal for violent activity.

Studies measuring the physiological responses to playing violent video games, compared with non-violent games, have shown that violent games increase physiological arousal. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure all increase when playing violent games. These physiological effects are important to consider because these are the same reactions bodies have when engaged in a fight. The interaction with the characters of violent games makes the effects even greater for children who may already be at risk for aggressive behavior.

Research shows that compared to non-violent video games, violent games may also increase a child’s aggressive behavior, including thoughts, emotions, and actions. According to a 1998 psychological report conducted by Dr. Griffiths, M.D, and Dr. Hunt, M.D., students who were more addicted to video games were significantly more likely to be in a bad mood before, during, or after play, than were non-addicted students. Not only that, but prolonged exposure to violent video games can result in trait hostility, which can eventually lead children to engage in physical fights.

Every year there is an increasing amount of video games with violent content. A 2001 content analyses by the research organization Children Now shows that a majority of video games include violence, about half of which would result in serious injuries or death in the ‘real’ world. In 1993, the video game industry began putting ratings on video games (E for everyone, T for teen, and M for mature.” Several major retail stores including Sears, Target and Walmart have also created policies which prevent children under the age of 17 from purchasing mature-rated video games.

Above all, parents have the most important role to play when preventing violent games from getting into the hands of underage children. Psychologist have found that when parents limit the amount of time as well as the types of games their children play, children are less likely to show aggressive behaviors. Other research suggests that active parental involvement in children’s media usage-including discussing the inappropriateness of violent solutions to real life conflicts, reducing time spent on violent media, and generating alternative nonviolent solutions to problems-all can reduce the impact of media violence on children and our youth.

In conclusion, children who expose themselves to video game violence are more likely to experience aggressive feeling, thoughts, and actions. Everyday children are spending their time playing violent video games instead of learning healthy ways to relate to other people and resolve conflicts peacefully. Because video games are so widely used, it is important to help parents, educators, and policy makers understand how to maximize their benefits while minimizing the potential dangers these games offer our youth. Parents and professionals should also seek creative ways to increase the acceptance, popularity, and availability of games that are educational and fun.


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