Violent Videogames Aren’t Ruining Your Kids—but It’s Good to Discuss Them
Violent Videogames Aren’t Ruining Your Kids—but It’s Good to Discuss Them
Violent Videogames Aren’t Ruining Your Kids—but It’s Good to Discuss Them
By Julie Jargon
February 6, 2021
Summary
What's the first question parents ask when their kid comes begging to play a violent shooter-type game? Is there blood?
Kids are often good at making strong arguments for why they should be allowed to play non-gory but murderous games like "Fortnite" and "Among Us." Even in "Minecraft," there are skeletons, zombies and pillagers to kill.
Kids will say they understand the difference between games and real life.
Questions persist about the subtle effects that violent games have on developing minds.
The authors concluded that "Sustained violent game play over time may be more predictive of long-term outcomes as opposed to high violent game play that fluctuates dramatically over time." However, they acknowledge limitations to the study, including the fact that the players' aggression was self-reported.
Most violent games that existed when the study began were of a more-graphic nature, such as "Call of Duty," "Grand Theft Auto" and "Gears of War." In recent years, games such as "Fortnite" have featured a more-sanitized version of violence, providing an alternative to bloody first-person shooter games.
He pointed to studies that have shown people being less empathetic and helpful to others after playing violent games or watching violent films.
In one of his studies, kids who played both cartoonish and realistic violent videogames were more likely to want to blast an opponent with a loud noise.
What You Can Do. Here's what to consider when deciding whether to let your kids play violent videogames.
Not all violent games are the same, and even within games there are different ways to play.
Reference
Jargon, J. (2021, February 06). Violent videogames aren't ruining your kids-but it's good to discuss them. Retrieved April 06, 2021, from https://www.wsj.com/articles/violent-videogames-arent-ruining-your-kidsbut-its-good-to-discuss-them-11612620001