A recent study showed that video games and media violence impact children in a negative way. It seems that even though previous research proved that there is no direct correlation between the two, now, scientists have discovered that the subconscious of a forming brain is influenced by the effects of violence in the media.
- Violence in the media and the video games that today’s children are playing affects them in the long term.
- TV violence is considered one of the main triggers of aggressive behavior in teenagers.
- Social media violence is the modern version of gangs.
The battle between parents and video games is starting to gain epic proportions. While there are the “cool” mothers and fathers that buy the latest games for their children, there are also those who are concerned about the effects that the gratuitous aggressiveness has on their younglings.
There are a couple of efficient methods that can help parents shape the minds of their infants while allowing them to play video games and watch television. It’s not an impossible task, but the variety of the TV shows and games and the accessibility offered by the Internet makes it a challenging endeavor.
Sit Down with Your Children
The best way to check the quality of your child’s favorite TV show without making him or her feel controlled is to sit down with your infant and enjoy a couple of episodes. If you feel like the show contains violent media, then you can proceed on finding compelling arguments that will convince your child that he or she will be better off without the negative influence of violence in the media.
Some scientists even went as far as to demonstrate that there is a link between tough guise violence media and the crisis in masculinity.
This brings us to the next important step in the process of trimming the violent content that children are exposed on a daily basis.
Do Your Homework on Media Violence
While media violence is all present, some is there for a reason. Some shows depict gratuitous aggressiveness as being wrong, teaching the teenager audience that peace and understanding are the way to go.
Take Batman, for example. Many parents complained that Gotham’s hero should not be a role model for their infants. However, upon closer examination, they found that the antihero is the embodiment of morality.
Batman wished to eliminate violence and corruption; he fights to keep Gotham safe of unnecessary aggressive behavior. He also forces himself to send all villains to rehabilitation, swearing not to kill anybody, even if it’s in the name of justice.
What is even more important is that Bruce Wayne is depicted as a man that suffers every time he beats a villain, every violent act takes a toll on him, demonstrating to the audience that violence comes with a cost.
The comic book hero is indeed the hero the parents deserve, not the one that they need. Unfortunately, he is one of the few that can be used as a positive example of the impact of media violence on children.
Some Video Games Use Violence for the Sake of Violence
Another great enemy in the battle of parents vs. superfluous violence is video games, especially shooters. While some (like the first installments of Call of Duty) have some educational value, recreating famous battles that took place during the World Wars.
However, most FPS (first person shooter) games teach teenagers that violence is the only way to make a name for yourself. Parents are advised to limit the exposure of their children to this kind of toxic content.
What is your opinion on the effects of media violence on the current generations? Do you agree with the researchers that the access to such content must be limited?
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