Indonesia
Violent Video Games: Appropriate for Kids?
Supermom, kids are getting used to play video games. More specifically, kids love to play violent video games. Some studies suggest violent video games give no effect on kid’s behavior. Other studies warn there is strong negative effect. So, what we should do about it?
Some parents have no problem with kids playing violent games. Why? They trust their kids to know the difference between fantasy and reality. They believe the content can be useful to kids at a certain point in their life and development. They know how kid’s brains develop, learn and change.
However, violent video games can increase kid’s aggressive behavior. Kids who like ultra-violent video game tend to inappropriately resolve anxiety by externalizing it. Facing anxiety, they do not soothing themselves, talking about it, expressing it to someone, or expressing it emotionally by crying. They tend to externalize it by attacking something. They can kick a wall, be mean to a pet, or other.
Most of violent video games don’t teach kids moral consequences. If we shoot someone in real world, we may go to jail or get other penalty. In the games, shooting somebody means extra point. Violent video games glorify gang culture, celebrate brutality, lionize crudeness, and trivialize violence toward women.
So, how? Of course, parents have a great influence on children’s behavior. Each child also has a different reaction to certain stimuli of violence. Thus, be wise. Accompany our kids to make them be able to watch a video game in a healthy way.
TEGUH WAHYU UTOMO
PHOTOS: PHOTOS
