Does violence in video games and tv contribute to real life violence?
By mommaj
@mommaj (23112)
United States
May 7, 2009 12:26pm CST
I was wondering if the violence in video games and on television contributes to real life violence. You have to wonder where the behavior was seen or exhibited for someone else to know to be violent. As I watch children I believe they learn what they see and hear. My children are docile. One is even autistic and he is not violent. They haven't seen any violence on tv or on video games so maybe that is why they don't display any. I know that hitting and kicking is a natural instinct but even in temper tantrums that is rarely a problem. Do your children watch wrestling and then display some of the wrestling tactics? How do you curb that behavior or do you let them act out what they saw?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@prathna (175)
• Canada
7 May 09
according to psychologists, when children are exposed to too much violence on television and video games, they tend to become more agressive which in turn leads them to become more violent. children find fighting "cool" since on television or video game, the one who wins the fight is the "cool guy" or the winner and people look up to him
1 person likes this
@prathna (175)
• Canada
7 May 09
thanks. well if u want to make them a normal amount of agressive, just let them watch normal cartoons that have a moderate amount of violence. you could buy them CD's or somehting which you could take a look at first and see whether its suitable for them or not
@ajzone (201)
• India
7 May 09
um..it doesnt affect to ppl like us. i mean we r bit more bigger ,,,but children can suffer from it..they immitate of other superstar of tv or games..especially WWE , many children act and immitiate of superstarts of wwe,, its to dangerous to perform their stunts but children does it.....
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@ajzone (201)
• India
8 May 09
um..it depend upon the parents..but usually it depend upon the kids...suppose if the parents wants to see their kids happy then they will sure buy such stuff for them,,and the kids shuld be using that stuff[games, xbox etc] only for such limitied time which parent must tell them to stop,,,in this way they can stop wad they r doing......
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
7 May 09
It's interesting that you specifically mention wrestling, because 2 of my 3 boys have recently become mega WWE fans.
I don't discourage their viewing of WWE Friday night Smackdown, and have bought them some wrestling toys, and allowed them to spend their own money on WWE items. But I don't think it's that bad of a thing.
Yes, they DO wrestle each other, and sometimes they get hurt. But I also know that boys are more physical in general, and often need a physical outlet, ideally one that involves competition.
I don't think that their exposure to this violence makes them more violent at all. If anything, in the case of one of my sons, it has helped him to become more physical and aware of his body and appearance.. in a GOOD way.
Then there's my son who isn't into the WWE like his brothers. He's exposed to just as much as them, and is still an extremely docile child.
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
7 May 09
Yes, I discipline my boys as well, and I agree, that makes a big difference.
I can't imagine the challenges you face with an autistic child. My boys all have other issues, some that have required various doctors for both mental and physical health concerns, but nothing as extreme as autism. I'm sure my views on wrestling would be different if their needs were more challenging.
@mommaj (23112)
• United States
7 May 09
That's interesting to know but I'm sure you are a parent that disciplines as well. Lots of parents won't set rules and regulations. I know it's not a good idea for my son because not only is he too young right now to understand but he is also autistic and I don't think he needs to know he can move like that. I'm going to have a problem if he figures out he WANTS to fight as he gets older. He takes after my brother who is 6'3" and I can only imagine the problems I will have with him if his autism doesn't get better with age.
1 person likes this
@mommaj (23112)
• United States
9 May 09
I fortunately haven't had to correct aggressive behavior yet because I am not letting him see anything that involves hitting or kicking. As a parent, you tell your child to stop five times and you are ready to spank. With him, I literally can not touch him. I can't let him get the idea it's okay to hit. The doctor is worried about him getting aggressive as it is so I don't add to it. Luckily, he's a good kid when I direct him to other things. It's frustrating though. With three boys you understand. LOL
@charblaize (1026)
• United States
9 May 09
I feel it also has to do with the parenting. If we discipline and correct our children before the actions come out of hand, they will realize what is right and what is wrong. Boys are born more naturally physical and want to be wrestlers, football players, etc.
My son has a touch of autism, ADHD, and behavioral issues, but I do not stop him from watching WWE. I watch it all the time and I don't want to "hide" anything from my son. I will let him know when he gets out of hand (because I wrestle with him) and then I will explain to him what he can and can't do. If it sinks in or not may be another story but atleast I am trying to let him know. I also let him know that some things are fake and are not allowed to "try at home"
I also feel if they see the behavior from a friend or relative can be just as damaging as video games but look at what is the news; I feel it is worse than the games.
@charblaize (1026)
• United States
9 May 09
I am his mom and I wrestle with him, I tell him he can't hit girls and that isn't polite or nice. Yet, when he is at school all the teachers adore him and he is a lovable child. My son had these issues when he 2 and wasn't watching these types of shows. I feel all boys are going to show some natural instinct of wrestling, horseplay, etc. As a parent we just have to keep watching the behavior and letting them aware that are limits. I am not saying it is right for them to be majorly violent, I don't want that to happen to my child or have my child that aggressive. I also don't let him watch frightening, sickening movies either.
Just because he displayed the behavior doesn't mean he will continue it if he knows it is not right. I have to be strict with my child because of behavioral issues and I have to be consistent in what I tell him and stick to my punishment. My son doesn't stick to anything for long periods of time because of his ADHD but once I find something he likes, he will play with it for alittle longer. Staying in days are not easy :(
