Video Games

Violence in video games has been a very controversial topic since the Newtown tragedy. The media and entertainment industry have been blamed for the aggression in children because people believe that their children are overly aggressive due to the violence and aggression in today’s media. Violent video games do affect aggression in children, they reward players for violence, stimulate aggression and they teach children that the right way to resolve conflict is through violence (procon.org).

In violent video games, kids can play the role of a violent character, actively rehearse violence, engage in enacting violent crimes, are engaged with continual violence, repeat violent behaviors over again and are rewarded for effective aggression. The games that children are playing today are used in the military to prepare soldiers for combat.

A study conducted by Craig Anderson and colleagues finds that in over three dozen studies, there are five consistent effects. These effects are that video games increase arousal; heart rate and blood pressure, they also increase aggressive thinking such as using aggressive language, kicking out a window or starting a fight. Not only do video games increase aggressive thinking but aggressive feelings as well which means that frustration levels rise. Another effect is that kids become more aggressive with their peers, get into ore arguments and participate in more fights. Lastly, violent video games decrease prosocial behaviors such as positive constructive thinking, they are also more likely to desensitize to violent behavior.

On the other hand, many people believe that violent video games have no affect on youth violence but say they actually help as an outlet for anger. Although this may be true, ...

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... with no mental health issues.

Violent video games do effect children, whether the effect is immediate, long term or short lived, children should not be introduced to such behavior at such a young age. Parent’s need to step in, be aware of the games their children are playing and limit them. Violent video games reward children for violent behavior, increase aggression and teach children that it is okay to resolve conflict through violence. Studies have produced reliable evidence to prove that violent video games do affect thoughts, heart rate and blood pressure. People who play violent video games have gunned down schools. Violence in video games does not only effect people who have mental problems, the violence in video games effects perfectly healthy young children. The crisis can be solved by reading ratings, being aware and taking action in our children’s lives