Videogames are a “drug," and the kids are addicted
When we think of addiction, we normally jump to substance abuse in adults. However, that addictive behavior is found in children as well, especially in the use of video games. More and more kids are becoming addicted to their video games, to the point where it is affecting their daily lives.
Living In A Fantasy World and Simulating Destruction
As technology advances, the video game industry continues to rise, with new graphics being introduced every day to make each new game more realistic. However, it’s been reported by teachers that students as young as four or five years old “are simulating car crashes and graphic injuries.” While these may not seem like major concerns, the problem is that children will quickly become “desensitized” to these low levels of violence, and therefore need greater violence to satisfy their excitement, according to Craig Anderson in the Department of Psychology at Iowa State University.
Why Should We Worry About Games When There’s Such Violent Films?
Anderson points out that children retain more information learned actively than passively, making videogames dangerous in teaching aggressive behavior. Because the games are interactive, children assume a new identity and take action, whether it be Mario or a sniper.
Intervention: How Parents Can Take Control
While parent’s probably cannot control if their son or daughter plays videogames, they can monitor what they play and for how long. Video games are given age restriction guidelines like movies for a reason, and parents should be mindful of letting their five-year-old play games rated M for Mature. Despite the apparent effects of these games, the Supreme Court shot down a bill that would ban children from buying these violent games, enabling any child to have access to whichever game they wish. (Supreme Court Strikes Down Videogame Law in CA)
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