The Harmful Effects of Video Games on Kids

I was shocked over the recent shootings in Colorado in early December.

Matthew Murray, 24, was responsible for killing four people in two violent incidents: one in Arvada at a missionary training center and another at a Colorado Springs church.

My heart goes out to the families and church members affected by this tragedy.

A week before the Colorado shootings, a 19-year-old gunman killed eight people when he opened fire on holiday shoppers at a shopping mall in Omaha, Nebraska.

Where is this wave of violence among young people coming from?

Some pin the blame on our culture. They say our kids are too exposed to violence through TV, film and especially video games.

Still some parents want to know, “What's the big deal? It’s just a game.” But is it?

One finding reported by psychologists maintains the major problem with violent games is that they reward aggressive behavior. These experts are concerned that kids are learning violence as an acceptable response to conflict.

Read these alarming facts about the impact of video games on children.

Time playing video games. From Pediatrics for Children, we learn that among elementary and middle school kids, girls play for an average of 5.5 hours/week and boys average 13 hours/week. That’s a serious investment of time playing video games regardless of the content.

Ages of kids playing video games. A recent report cited by National Institute of Media and Family claims 45% of heavy video game players are in the 6 to 17 year old age group.

The content of video games. Of computer and video games purchased in 2005, as reported by the market research firm NPD, 49% were "E" rated (mild violence) games, 4% were "E10+" (mild violence), 32% were "T" (violent) rated games, and 15% were "M" (intense violence) rated games (Entertainment Software Association, 2006).

Coupled with the time spent playing video games, the young age of participants and the prevalence of violent games in the market, parents need to be concerned.

The role of parents with video games. Let’s start with some encouraging news: Pediatrics for Parents claims parents who cut down on the amount of time their kids could play video games and monitored their violent content, have children who do better in school and get into fewer fights.

Parents who take charge of their kids’ involvement with violent games will be rewarded.

By following these steps from the National Institute on Media and the Family, you can manage your kids’ viewing of damaging video games:

•avoid the "first person shooter", killing-machine games.

•limit game playing time.

•check the age game ratings and descriptions on the box.

•require that homework and chores be done before game playing.

•do not put video game consoles or computers in children's bedrooms.

•talk about the content of the games. Ask your child what's going on in the game.

•explain to your children why you object to certain games.

•encourage your child to play with friends, or other activities away from the video game set.

Parents, you may have other methods you use to keep your kids from too many violent video games. Feel free to share your ideas and leave a comment on the John Tesh Blog.

John
Email: johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Comments

[Karson]

I think video games r very harmful exept motocross games!!! SO I THINK SHOOTING AND KILLING IS SO STUPID!!!

[Vake Xeacons]

I am a journalist that has been covering the controversy of violence in video games. The industry of the video games is relatively new, and with every new medium, fad, and trend, there are concerns from the older generation. According to an article by USA Today, "Every generation thinks the younger ones are on the road to perdition."

Obviously, there are concerns about the idea of not just watching, but participating in the violence. Also, with every controversy, there are politicians who flock to it like carion fowl to a carcass.

Dr. David Walsh, President of the NIMF, is certainly one of those. Not to say that there is no integrity in his arguments, but on some levels, it's good to take what he says with a grain of salt.

Dr. Walsh has consistently attacked the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) who offers the rating accepted by the cybernatographic industry. Dr. Walsh claims they're not strict enough; meanwhile the NIMF offer their own ratings for certain games, most of which parallel the ESRB.

In the end, between the NIMF and the ESRB, you have two players on the same team, fighting for the same goal. But Dr. Walsh is the player attacking the other teammates for the opportunity to make the winning touchdown for his own personal glory, rather than thinking about what is best for the team.