What are your beliefs on violent video games affecting the mind of teens and kids?

Question

What are your beliefs on violent video games affecting the mind of teens and kids?

Answer 1

Quiet blaming video games and television for the way our youth is acting, It's all the parents fault for the way the kids turn out in society!!!

Answer 2

I was growing up when the violent video games really started making an impact in the market. I have played every single one and it has never made me want to commit a violent act against another person. I am a very well-adjusted, educated and gainfully employed member of society. I think it really all boils down to parenting. As a parent, you can't blame everything on outside influences. You have to take responsibility for the ideas and values you fill your child's mind with. If they think violence is okay because they were not taught otherwise, then it isn't a video game's fault when they commit a violent act against another. Pay attention to your children!

Answer 3

ive been playing violent games all my live(well 15 years) and ive never done anything violent

so games do not affect the mind

Answer 4

What a stupid question. I play Halo 3 and Call of Duty all the time and I never have really tried to no scope some noob across map from gold warp.

Answer 5

it has no effect

none at all

i hate people who think that it is a huge deal because they don't know what they are talking about

Answer 6

I think there fun!

Answer 7

there was a study that proved this wrong



http://www.news.uiuc.edu/news/05/0809videogames.html

Answer 8

My beliefs are violent kids are violent regardless if they play video games. I've been playing GTA since I was 12 and I am not a violent person at all.



Parents: TEACH YOUR KIDS SOME COMMON SENSE!!!



If a 14 year-old stabs some kid, it's because mom and dad failed at being parents, NOT because he played it on some game.

Answer 9

its a bunch of bull and a few studies did prove that. to liberals it is another battle cry, a reason to mobilize, to stand up for what is right, point their fingers at the evil game makers, and to protect kids from themselves....:)

Answer 10

I have been an online gamer in many MMO's for since 1998. I started with Everquest and DAoC. And i still play with my children. Video games get a very bad rep because of a few individuals. People who blindly blame video games should experience what their children are playing before making judgements. Many parents blame WoW and other MMO's for problems and have never even seen the game or met the community behind the game. I think many parents would be shocked to learn that the majority of the players on these games are adults and parents. And that those adults and parents arent bad people looking to adversely effect your kids. We as gamers are usually a tight knit community who helps each other much like the people on YA. i think people judge before they think or research what they are judging. And btw anti gaming groups have been around since 2001 when the first MMO suicide occured. And i stand by the fact that less deaths have occured in 15 years of computer gaming then occured last year in bicycle accidents. thats a proven fact and the majority should NOT be punished for the few.



EDIT: now your making me feel my age lol. Its was NEWB way before N00b guys.



Yeah i realize in 1337 its n00b. But before that it was newb. 1337 wasnt used by most gamers until around 2003 or 2004 when all us old time gamers had to relearn the lingo. Its also when most vid cards went to 3D lighting and shading and all us old time gamers had to replace our cards to play SWG which was way ahead if its time in graffics versus standard technology. As i said im a LONG time gamer not an idiot.

Answer 11

I think that the people who start these groups are oblivious to the real facts. Violent video games do not affect the minds of teens and children. In the cases that spring up the attacker or whatever almost always already has an existing mental problem. These people cannot distinguish between reality and fantasy, do not realize the consequences, or some are just pshycotic. If someone knows the difference between reality and fiction, which most six-year olds do; then there is no problem in them playing violent video games..(relative to their age-levels of coure. Wouldnt want a six-year playing an M game would we.) Those are my thoughts on the subject.

Answer 12

I really don't know (and don't care really ) about other kids BUT I know that my kids It affects them if they play any violent video games, that's why ONLY my 17 year old is allowed to play them, my 13 and 8 year old are not. I discovered that when they played any violent games they ended up fighting each other, so I did my OWN investigation and took away the video games and see how they did, surprisingly enough they both were as calm as a leaf, they were polite at each other etc, then when I gave back the video game I let them play only the "nice" games and still they kept being the nicest kids ever,so I let them play the violent games again to see if this was what was causing the whole fighting and screaming and soon enough the fights and screams were on, I immediately took the games away and let them play only with the nice ones. They know they can't have any violent games so when someone else wants to give them as birthday presents or Christmas and they ask them they say that they are not allow to have any violent games.

I really don't know if this happens to other children or not but I only care for what it is best for MY children, I believe that each parent should make the decision on what video game they let their children play.

Answer 13

I don't think that video games make teens more violent. They may make SOME teens a bit on the violent side, but it doesn't "make" them violent--it happens on its own.



I am irritated that people blame videogames like GTA or similar games for "affecting the minds of teens" and supposedly "making them do crazy things". I play GTA and I know that it's just a game. It's just a stupid video game. Yeah, it can be fun, but I know that it's a game and nobody should do crap like that in real life. I'm 17, if it matters.

Answer 14

you know im sorry. but i think thats a load of bullshit. in a way it can give the kids ideas. but its up to the parents to teach their kid right from wrong, and taking them away for things like video games and saying things like "ooooow guns are bad dont ever touch a gun!!!" is just going to influence the kid more and make them even more curious about the "dangerous things." its like the cookie jar effect, you say you cant have cookies. and you walk away. what do you think the kid wants more then anything now? they want the damn cookie! parents have way more influence on their children then tv, video games, and weapons of any kind. If the parents would get off their asses and teach their kids about the dangers and what really happens to those that do these things and the people that are victoms of the crimes. Then the world would be alot better.

Answer 15

i have three brothers and tons of males cousins, growing up they played all kinds of violent games, I'm 30 now and my brothers still play the games and none of them or my cousins have committed murder or any heinous crime, I have two girls 11 and 13 they play violent games and are fine they know its fake and its not real its just a freaking game, but what is funny you get them two playing some stupid game like Mario cart they will get into a fight restart games cause one of them lost, i get more fights out of Mario cart than i ever would Mk3. So kids are just kids they may not be fighting cause of the game but cause one of them lost or one of them is turning off the game just to make the other mad, Video games are not that dang serious, parents need to teach their kids difference between reality and make believe.

Answer 16

With the insanity factor out of the way, it's ultimately up to the parents to decide what's best for their children; there's a reason for the rating system. Parents can't expect to rid of the world of every little bad thing--they need to teach their kids of what's right and wrong, reality or fantasy--as well as monitor what they see, buy, play, etc.



Too many parents are using television and video games as babysitters nowadays--who's choice is that?

Answer 17

I'm sure there are quite a few bias studies out there. They have one thing in mind, prove that video games are evil. So they'll skew whatever is needed to achieve that goal. I wonder if there are any fair/neutral studies.

Answer 18

Maybe if a kid has some issues with differentiating reality from fantasy they should steer clear of them, but other than that I don't see how it's different from reading a violent book or playing "war" with G.I. Joes.



Kit Kat- N00b is the right way to do it for 1337 or leet speak- you want to use as many numbers as possible



Oh, sorry- I didn't mean to insult you, I just thought you were maybe a little confused, but you seem in the loop to me :)

Answer 19

I don't believe that video games are any worse than what teens see on television and in the movies. Games, just like movies, come with ratings and it is the responsibility of parents to decide what video games their children can handle. Rather than going after video games these types of groups should go after gun manufacturers, because guns are used to commit act of violence not video games.

Answer 20

i think the ppl who think that are mindless really. what kid cant see the diff between real and fake? well i mean teen.

i guess if the kid was abused or something they would b or maybe they were already "not all there". but i mean a video game is just like a horror movie and they have shown those 4 years

Answer 21

Video games do not cause kids to think violence is ok.



If they're going around beating people up or shooting people it's because they were a little messed up to begin with. Video games were just used as an excuse by parents because they were ignorant and "They just couldn't understand why their sweet little darling child would do such a thing"

Answer 22

I think it's kind of dumb because if a kid is stupid enough to have video games influence them to copy or support the actions of the game then they shouldn't even be playing games, they should be getting counciling to deal with such a problem.

Answer 23

If they have had & do have a stable & loving home/family life and are well adjusted in all things related to their age, I don't see anything wrong with playing a "violent" vid. And don't think that would affect a young person.

Answer 24

I believe that anytime kids are exposed to something, positive or negative, it has a significant impact on their mentality. If a child is continuously exposed to violent content and there is no parental influence to place it in proper context, it makes the kid more comfortable with violence and more likely to resort to it.

Answer 25

I think kids left to themselves with little parenting those things can be very harmful to kids.



Everyone wants to throw the blame around, but , the reality is, if parents take time to raise their kids, give them chores to do, talk to them about everything and spend time with them - the games will have little or no effect.



It's the neglected kids who are effected.

Answer 26

There was a study done that disproves the theory that violent games effect children. I really think you should worry more about what's on TV and what the child experiences in real life.

Answer 27

yes it does...i've researched this three different times...two times in high school and I went on to state both times in science fair and I researched it my senior year of college! Video Games are geared to be played by 25-30 year olds...but the packaging and advertisement is geared for teens! Tell me isn't there something wrong with this?

Answer 28

I think it can, very much so. Think about how music affects your mood. Listen to some angry music for a while and alot of people will find it makes them feel angry. Video games are the same. Once thay become boring people wann do it in real life. And it de-sensitises people wo the reality of violence and deat. In a game you kill someone or die and there aren't any consequences you can just start again. In real life it's very different obviously. I don't think can be blamed as the sole reason but i do agree that they can increase violent behaviour.

Answer 29

Well Idk???Little kids play the game:Grand theft auto and the series of it.Mayb when they get older the think its ok the shot ppl cab steal cars.U no. ;]

Answer 30

The more you see the more numb you become, and accept it as if it were normal.



I wish parents knew how to raise kids nowadays, and I'm practically a kid myself.

Answer 31

I think it's a part of the Zionist conspiracy to destroy America and our Christian culture. Zionist also are the biggest creators of porn in the US.

Answer 32

def influencing kids just like rap music nowadays on teh image of small girls

Answer 33

can get there minds and do stuff in or like whats in the game

Answer 34

you reap what you sow

Answer 35

i think it makes them more violent.

Answer 36

No doubt about it — TV, interactive video games, and the Internet can be excellent sources of education and entertainment for kids. But too much screen time can have unhealthy side effects.



That's why it's wise to monitor and limit the time your child spends playing video games, watching TV, and playing games on the Internet.



The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids under age 2 have no screen time, and that kids older than 2 watch no more than 1 to 2 hours a day of quality programming.





It's also a good idea to make sure kids have a wide variety of free-time activities like reading, playing with friends, and sports, which can all play a vital part in helping them develop a healthy body and mind.



Here are some practical ways to make kids' screen time more productive.



TV Time

Limit the number of TV-watching hours:

Stock the room in which you have your TV with plenty of other non-screen entertainment (books, kids' magazines, toys, puzzles, board games, etc.) to encourage kids to do something other than watch the tube.

Keep TVs out of kids' bedrooms.

Turn off the TV during meals.

Don't allow your child to watch TV while doing homework.

Treat TV as a privilege that kids need to earn — not a right that they're entitled to. Tell them that TV viewing is allowed only after chores and homework are completed.

Try a weekday ban. Schoolwork, sports activities, and job responsibilities make it tough to find extra family time during the week. Record weekday shows or save TV time for weekends, and you'll have more family togetherness time to spend on meals, games, physical activity, and reading during the week.

Set a good example. Limit your own TV viewing.

Check the TV listings and program reviews. Look for programs your family can watch together (i.e., developmentally appropriate and nonviolent programs that reinforce your family's values). Choose shows, says the AAP, that foster interest and learning in hobbies and education (reading, science, etc.).

Preview programs. Make sure you think they're appropriate before your kids watch them.

Use the ratings. Age-group rating tools have been developed for some TV programs and usually appear in newspaper TV listings and onscreen during the first 15 seconds of some TV programs.

Use screening tools. Many new standard TV sets have internal V-chips (V stands for violence) that let you block TV programs and movies you don't want your kids to see.

Come up with a family TV schedule. Come up with something the entire family agrees on. Then post the schedule in a visible household area (i.e., on the refrigerator) so that everyone knows which programs are OK to watch and when. And make sure to turn off the TV when the "scheduled" program is over instead of channel surfing for something else to watch.

Watch TV with your child. If you can't sit through the whole program, at least watch the first few minutes to assess the tone and appropriateness, then check in throughout the show.

Talk to kids about what they see on TV and share your own beliefs and values. If something you don't approve of appears on the screen, turn off the TV and use the opportunity to ask your child thought-provoking questions such as, "Do you think it was OK when those men got in that fight? What else could they have done? What would you have done?" Or, "What do you think about how those teenagers were acting at that party? Do you think what they were doing was wrong?" If certain people or characters are mistreated or discriminated against, talk about why it's important to treat everyone fairly despite their differences. You can use TV to explain confusing situations and express your feelings about difficult topics (sex, love, drugs, alcohol, smoking, work, behavior, family life). Teach your kids to question and learn from what they see on TV.

Find out about other TV policies. Talk to other parents, your doctor, and your child's teachers about their TV-watching policies and kid-friendly programs they'd recommend.

Offer fun alternatives to television. If your kids want to watch TV but you want them to turn it off, suggest alternatives like playing a board game, starting a game of hide and seek, playing outside, reading, etc. The possibilities for fun without the tube are endless — so turn off the TV and enjoy quality time with your kids.

Video and Interactive Computer Games

Look at the ratings. Video games do have ratings to indicate when they have violence, strong language, mature sexual themes, and other content that may be inappropriate for kids. The ratings, established for the Entertainment Software Rating Board, range from EC (meaning Early Childhood), which indicates that the game is appropriate for kids ages 3 and older, to AO (for Adults Only), which indicates that violent or graphic sexual content makes it appropriate only for adults.

Preview the games. Even with the ratings, it's still important to preview the games — or even play them — before letting kids play. The game's rating may not match what you feel is appropriate for your child.

Help kids get perspective on the games. Monitor how the games are affecting your kids. If they seem more aggressive after spending time playing a certain game, discuss the game and help them understand how the violence that's portrayed is different from what occurs in the real world. That can help them identify less with the aggressive characters and reduce the negative effects that violent video games can have.

Internet Safety

Become computer literate. Learn how to block objectionable material.

Keep the computer in a common area. Keep it where you can watch and monitor your kids. Avoid putting a computer in a child's bedroom.

Share an email account with younger children. That way, you can monitor who is sending them messages.

Bookmark your child's favorite sites. Your child will have easy access and be less likely to make a typo that could lead to inappropriate content.

Spend time online together. Teach your kids appropriate online behavior.

Monitor kids use of chat rooms. Be aware that posting messages to chat rooms reveals a child's email address to others.

Find out about online protection elsewhere. Find out what, if any, online protection is offered at school, after-school centers, friends' homes, or anyplace where kids could use a computer without your supervision.

Answer 37

wat n00bs