2. Violence in video games has become increasingly concerning among the
public especially parents. This concern is based on the assumption that they
contribute to aggression and violence among young players.
(http://www.soc.iastate.edu/sapp/videogames2.pdf)
One of the most recognised games that sparked major public concerns was
the game ‘Grand Theft Auto IV’, although given an 18 certificate, parenting
groups have expressed concerns that the game, which has smashed previous
entertainment sales records, will fall into the hands of younger children (The
Telegraph, by Nicole Martin, Published May 2008). I agree with this
statement because I also feel that games like these can get into the hands of
children as young as the certificate rating, I feel this is due to the influence
the media has on them as well as some parents buying it for them.
Many people also believe that video game play is directly linked to youth
aggression, as these youths who play excessively become conditioned to the
violence. (suite101.com) I slightly disagree with this statement because I feel
that video games aren’t completely the element to blame for youth crime, I
think this because I feel other elements add up to youth crime occurring such
as they don’t work or due to the poverty they have grown up with, as well as
they may not feel as wanted as others do.
3. Legislators have also listened to public concerns, a variety of labelling or
censorship schemes have been considered by lawmakers in the past for
music, movies, comic books and not forgetting video games in the name of
helping parents shield their children’s eyes and ears from potentially
objectionable content. (cato.org) I feel it is about time that the government
listened to the parents and other various members of the public, as I feel that
violence in video games should be controlled more strictly.
One article I found (cato.org) talks about the fact that parents should judge
what’s best for their children. I disagree with this as if all parents do this then
I feel that youth crime would rise, not to include that parents should abide by
the rules of the video games rating. It then goes on to talk about a free
society and that parents should decide what their children see, hear or play. I
disagree with this children should not be allowed to have anything to do with
violent video games until they are of age.
A case of violent youth crime includes the 1999 massacre of 12 students and
1 teacher at Columbine High School is one of the most significant youth
crimes to of taken place, in which touched off enormous public concern about
the possible deleterious effects of violent video games on today’s youth. I feel
that video games could have contributed to this in which something more
serious should have been done about it.
To end another article I found mentions the fact that parents ignore game
ratings because they assume that games are for kids. (pbs.org) I feel that the
media is to blame for this as they encourage us that it is alright to allow
children to play video games like this, in some ways this is a stereotypical
thing that most parents assume about video games. Lastly I feel that there
should be stricter advertising and marketing laws.