Karen Morris
English 1102-X
31 January 2011
Are Video Games Worth It?
A small child runs by a parent followed by another small child with a toy Nerf gun yelling, “I’m coming to shoot you in the head and kill you.” Thoughts of the scenario that just played out in front of the parents, begin to pop up to the surface. Where did that little kid, no older than five years of age learn that kind of language and behavior? With everything new to a child, their brain is picking up on new things and until the clear notion between right and wrong is determined, a child will pick up on nearly anything that is said around them. They tend to see or hear things and repeat them because they have seen it done before. No matter how extreme the action or words they have encountered, a child will think nothing wrong of what they have just heard. Like the child with the Nerf gun, most children at a young age do not understand the monstrosity of killing someone. That small child may have been in the same room when his dad was playing Call of Duty or another shooting video game, and heard his dad say something similar to an opponent. This young child’s dad may only mean these words toward an avatar on a video game, but a young child will know no difference. Shooting video games provide action that intrigues players into the game, but shooting video games are not always healthy. They may be very entertaining, but violent video games are not suitable for all age groups. A violent video game may present negative effects on a child and can have lasting damage.
Video games have begun to sweep the nation in sales. The video game industry has reached billion dollars profits and will continue to grow. Graphics and realism has entered video games and presented near real life experiences for gamers. “Bringing in more money than movies and dvd’s,” (Children and Video Games), video games have now reached the Internet, allowing gamers to play online with other children, adolescents, and adults. Video games are diverse in the content of the games and there are all sorts of subjects in games. Some video games “promote learning, problem solving, and help with the development of fine motor skills and coordination” (Children and Video Games). While some genres of video games present learning experiences and positive effects on the children who play them, other video games contribute to aggression and misbehavior. Negatively effecting video games present negative themes such as drinking under age, sexual behavior, the killing of animals and people, disrespect for the law and authority, and foul language and gestures.
After the press gave and continues to give video games a bad reputation, there are many people who believe that they only benefit children. Some studies show that video games are positively effective. “Studies show that complex games that require some skill to master reduces stress” (Self Improvement). Self Improvement also announces that along with being a stress reducer, video games are believed to produce hand-eye coordination, and help the memory of those who play them.These games that are believed to help children rather than affect them harmfully all have an Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating of E for Everyone.
With the presentation of opinions that believe video games are positive for children, parents need to stay within the rating of Everyone. ESRB ratings include everyone, ten years and older, teen, mature, and adult only. If the makers of a gory shooting game rated the actions in the game as mature only, it is set for a reason.
Therefore, presenting itself, violent video games affect children negatively “I’m coming to shoot you in the head and kill you,” was a direct quote from my five-year-old nephew. Caden, my nephew, is an average little boy who likes to wrestle and will play rough with his younger brother who is nearly two. He has been introduced to violent video games at a young age. He himself does not play these games, but his dad enjoys playing games such as Call of Duty, and God of War. Being introduced to these games at a young age has increased aggression in him. Sometimes he quotes lines from the game or words that he has heard his father say to other opponents, and he also pretends he is a character from the games. It is not healthy for him to be exposed to violent video games at a vulnerable, young age, so his parents have decided to not have them on while the kids are awake or in the same room.
Studies have been done with Japanese and American kids. These kids were all in the age group of 10-12. Evaluations of the young students were done before the exposure to playing violent video games, and evaluations were also done after the exposure. The study showed that the students showed more aggression towards other students and less respect for authority (Harding). Other tests have been done providing the same results from Harding’s article. A study with Japanese and American kids was done again. This time, the hypothesis was that only American children would be negatively affected, and the results would prove that it was only a phenomenon. However, the hypothesis was wrong. Both races of children showed aggression and were more likely to encounter fights at school (George).
No matter how well parents think that they have taught their kids the difference between right and wrong, they should follow guidelines when it comes to video games. Dr. Phil presents tips for parents to help their children only learn positively with video games. “The story line of the video game should be read and researched before purchasing, the maker could be called to receive further information, and when a negative encounter occurs while playing a video game, the parent should discuss why it wrong” (McGraw). “Other tips would include setting the video game console in an open space such as a living room, and controlling the time spent playing” (Harding).
Works Cited
“Children and Video Games: Playing with Violence.” American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2006. Web. 18 Jan. 2011.
George, Donna. “Study Links Violent Video Game, Hostility.” The Washington Post. The Washington Post, 3 Nov.2008. Web. 28 Jan.2011.
Harding, Anne. “Violent Video Games Linked to Child Aggression.” CNN Health. CNN, 3 Nov. 2008. Web. 28 Jan.2011.
McGraw, Phil. “Children and Violent Video Games.” Dr. Phil. Dr. Phil, n.d. Web. 31 Jan 2011.
“Positive Effects of Video Games.” Self Improvement-Advice. Self Improvement-Advice, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2011.
