Effects of Violent Video Games on Children

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Effects of Violent Video Games on Children's Behavior Leslie De La Rosa COM/156 University Composition and Communication II October 28, 2012 Monica Desir Effects of Violent Video Games on Children's Behavior In 1999, students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold began firing weapons at fellow students and teachers at Columbine High School, killing 12 students and one teacher. One of the reasons blamed for their behavior was playing the video game Doom. Other violent acts and deaths have been blamed on other video games with a high content of violence, such as Manhunt and Grand Theft Auto. This started a national debate on several topics including the effects that violent video games have on our children. Violent video games can lead to an increase aggressive behavior in children if parents do not make it clear that the behavior exhibited in these games is inappropriate. Children and adolescents need to be made to understand that the way people act in these games is not reality. Parents need to monitor the content of games their children are playing, as well as the amount of time spent playing them. Aggression is defined by the (American Psychological Association, 2012) as “behavior that causes psychological or physical harm to another individual.” This means that not all aggressive behavior is physical; it can also include insulting, obnoxious, and rude behavior. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) defines violence in video games as, “Scenes involving aggressive conflict. May contain bloodless dismemberment.” They also base ratings on violent references in games. Game ratings vary from “eC” meaning the game is appropriate for young children to “Ao” meaning adults only with prolonged scenes if intense violence with blood and gore. Any rating above “eC” may contain varying amounts of violence, either cartoon or fantasy, or simulated to be real. Playing
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