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The Negative Effects That Video Games Have On ChildrenChristopher O’BrienCOMM 1133 -02D. BartlettMonday November 18th, 2013 For those who are not aware, Grand Theft Auto 5 is the most violent game on the market. The game has usage of alcohol, Violence towards prostitutes, and contains a very intense torture scene that is not acceptable for young children. Video games can have negative effects on children such as: they can promote violence, can cause anti social behaviour, and can have a negative impact on a child’s mental health. Some video games can promote violence, such as hitting, cursing, kicking, and gun violence, which is inappropriate for younger gamers. Walsh mentions, “Most of the studies to date indicate that playing violent video games does have some negative effects including aggressive behaviour.” (As cited in “Keeping Violent Games Away From Kids” 1999, p3). Younger gamers are most likely to copy what they see on the screen. When playing the violent games, children will most likely act more in a dynamic nature. (“The NIMF recommends that game makers stop using ads that promote ‘murder for fun.’ (As cited in “Keeping Violent Games Away From Kids” 1999, p3). The information shows that video games should be promoted to a mature audience. It encourages children to think killing and violence are all right for them to do. Not only can video games cause violence, but they can also cause anti social behaviour. Many video games will cause anti social behaviour including, not socializing, and a low attention span. “Another recently published study about the effects of video game playing suggested that those who spend most of their free time playing video games had more attention problems.” (Mansbacher, pg27, p7). Children should spend less time playing video games and more time with friends and family, that way they could be more social, and be able to pay attention more effectively. “Those who played a large amount of video games had more difficulties with attention to detail, ability to concentrate, and an increase in impulse behaviours.” (Mansbacher, pg27, p8). Children who play video games struggle with their attention span. Children need to get away from video games and spend more time outside. They could get exercise, which will get the blood flowing through their body and allow them to think more clearly. Not only can video games cause anti social behaviour but they could also cause harm to a child’s mental health. A handful of video games can affect a child’s mental health such as, sense of reality and fiction, lack of rest, and a lack of socialization. “Parents and child advocates need to know how to keep children out of the less pro social aspects of the video game industry and concentrate on getting children into games that offer fun and challenging scenarios.” (As cited in “Video Game Violence”, 2006, p3) Parents need to do a better job monitoring their children; they need to get them to play challenging and fun games like puzzle games. They could get them to think about the scenarios used and what kind of numbers fit into a puzzle. This could make them better at solving puzzles. And give their mind a bit of a work out. “Parents, teachers, social workers, and child advocates need to clearly understand the stories being told in video games, because the line between fiction and reality will continue to blur.” (As cited in “Video Game Violence, 2006, pg3). Because the line between video games and reality will continue to blur, parents, teachers, social workers, and child advocates need to a better researching and understanding the story of video games. Not all video games are bad, but video games need to be reviewed by parents. A good tool for parents to review video games is the video game rating system. “EC” is for early childhood. “E ,”E10+” contain cartoon violence, minor language, and some suggested themes. While “T” and “M” are the main concerns for video games, these ratings will begin to blur the line between reality and fiction. “T” and “M” contain sex, alcohol, murder, prostitution, drugs, stealing, and cursing. When played by a younger gamer, they would want to imitate the actions of the main character of the game and idolize the actions the character has taken. It is recommended that parents take control of the length of time and type of game their child plays until the difference between reality and fiction. ReferencesHoerrner, Mark; Hoerrner, Keisha , (Jan/Feb 2006). Video Game Violence. 15th ed. Washington: Child Welfare League of America, Inc... Mansbacher, Jordana. “Can Playing Video Games Be Harmful To Your Kids?” Pediatrics for Parents Nov-Dec.2011: 27+. Academic OneFile. Web.9 Oct.2013. Scholastic Inc., (1999). Keeping Violent Games Away from Kids. Current Events, a Weekly Reader publication. 98.17 (1), pp2, “Retrieved from: ................
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