The Effects Of Violent Video Games

All Information For You
The Effects Of Violent Video Games on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:01:27 +0000

 

By: Jaylyn Burns

Ever since video games came out, parents, scientists, and other adults have debated whether kids are more violent because of them. Part of that debate is whether being exposed to more violence makes kids want to be more violent by trying what they see. I know first-hand how a game can cause a fight between siblings.

I have two little brothers that play violent video games all the time. They play wrestling, boxing and shooting games. What I notice about some of the games is that the characters are doing things a normal human wouldn't be able to do. I see my brothers often try to reenact the things that they do on the screen. They shoot at each other with toy guns, they wrestle all the time trying to do special flips and moves that they see in the game, including boxing. The bad thing about it is that they are starting to try and do that stuff to my little sisters.

A site called ProCon.org has collected research about the good and bad effects of how children act because of video games. Pros argue that, "Young children are more likely to confuse fantasy violence with real world violence, and without a framework for ethical decision making, they may mimic the actions they see in violent video game."  The cons say the opposite, "Video game players understand they are playing a game. Their ability to distinguish between fantasy and reality prevents them from emulating video game violence in real life."

I agree with the pros because I see this first hand in my household. Violent video games are making children around the world think that it is okay for them to solve their problems with violence. Children are taking their anger out on the kids they don't get along with, as well as their friends, siblings, and family members.

 

---

Youth Radio – Newsroom

---