Most parents would do anything in their power to make sure their child grows up happy, healthy, and successful. It is a mystery then why so many parents keep purchasing video games for their children. Here are some points to consider:
- The Columbine shooters were addicted to the video game “Doom”. Many parents may not be aware of the negative effects that video games are having on children today, or even the amount of violence involved in many of these games. Studies show that when children and young adults play violent video games their aggressive behavior increases. For years it has been said that violence in movies and on TV can cause violence in children. Video game makers take it one step up as the player is immersed in the game and rewarded directly (points, advancement, visual stimulation) for committing violent acts.
- Children can become addicted to video games just as they can become addicted to a substance or gambling. Criteria for excessive computer and video game playing were developed in accordance with the criteria for dependency and pathological gambling – that’s a scary thought.
- Video games can trigger seizures. Many video games actually have this warning right on the box.
- The amount of time spent playing video games is positively correlated with getting into physical fights.
With all this information, it almost seems crazy that these video games are even reaching children today. Many of these effects can possibly be prevented if parents would regulate playing time better and read and comply with the rating system found on games. For more information, please go to www.mediafamily.org.
Contributed by Susan Korte