| There have been several claims that link violent | | | | of future actions. Based on your experiences, based |
| behavior in children and video games, but very few | | | | on these patterns that have been repeated over |
| studies show any direct correlation. In fact, recently | | | | time, you make a decision on how to attempt to |
| released FBI reports reveal that blaming the | | | | solve a problem. |
| Columbine incident on a video game was nothing | | | | Games create situations in which violent solutions to |
| more than a publicity stunt. | | | | problems are rewarded. After being rewarded for |
| There are, however, studies that show a correlation | | | | violent actions enough times, our brain begins to see |
| between usage of violent video games and | | | | violence as an optimal solution to problems. (This is |
| desensitization to real-life images of violence. And | | | | the difference between violent movies and violent |
| although this doesn't show a link between exposure | | | | games, since in the movies we are only spectators |
| to violent video games and real-life violence, it does | | | | and not confronted with any decisions.) |
| reveal that exposure to violent video games can | | | | The effects that these pattern-reward tactics have |
| have psychological effects. | | | | are incredibly effective, and are often used by video |
| A personal anecdote: | | | | game developers to make games addictive. And |
| A couple months ago I was playing the latest version | | | | while a mature adult is able to discern right and |
| of Call of Duty-for those of you who don't know, | | | | wrong based on years of moral upbringing, the minds |
| Call of Duty is a first person shooter game in which | | | | of children and teenagers are feebler. |
| players are put on teams online with a sole mission: | | | | Resolution |
| to kill everyone in the other team as many times as | | | | While there is no concrete evidence of the true |
| you can. But not only was I playing this game every | | | | effects violent video exposure can have on kids, |
| day, I played from 6-12 hours each day. One of | | | | there is a strong base to parent's concern (I know |
| those days, while driving, someone merged into my | | | | this from experience). The truth is, however, no |
| lane cutting me off and I uttered "If only I had my | | | | matter what your child is bombarded with, a strong |
| sniper rifle, I could pick him off with a head-shot." | | | | moral upbringing will help deter any violent tendencies. |
| And even though I knew that I would never shoot | | | | Lessons on respect for others and violence as an |
| anyone for cutting me off, at that moment I realized | | | | unacceptable solution to problems will be your child's |
| that there was something wrong with the way my | | | | best asset. |
| brain was thinking. | | | | But don't forsake all video games just yet. There are |
| An Explanation | | | | video game sites out there that promote good habits |
| When we are confronted with a problem, our brain | | | | and behavior. Take into account this site that not |
| follows a protocol to attempt to find a solution. It | | | | only provides your child with free online football |
| looks through all of the experiences you have had | | | | games, but teachings on the importance of team |
| thus far and attempts to match what you have done | | | | work, respect and discipline. |
| in previous situations in order to predict the outcome | | | | |