We’re not going to point fingers but there are those who would attempt to protect children by banning violent video games. Is that the best way?
Not according to Kansas State University professor Charles Smith. He says, and you may want to sit down for this radical concept, that good parenting is a far better method than banning violent games.
I know, right?
"There is a mass hysteria about violence and video games, but it's the context and type of video game, and more importantly, it's the type of child,” said Smith, a professor of family studies and human services and parenting expert.
“Parents need to be aware and educated about the video games they are allowing their children to play. With a good parent-child relationship, most children can play a video game and will not become violent because of it. A child without a connected parent relationship -- one who doesn't have respect for their parents and plays a violent video game over a certain length of time -- would worry me, but banning video games completely isn't the right answer either."
Smith warns that banning a game could be counterproductive as it may simply make the title more attractive to children.
Still, while Smith says that violence in children’s media is not necessarily a bad thing, he is concerned with the ever improving technology driving violent games.
"The realism in video games is changing constantly because of technology. This causes more realistic violence, and video games are becoming more and more immersive in terms of their nature."
Source: Kansas State University
-Reporting from San Diego, GamePolitics Contributing Editor Andrew Eisen
Comments
Re: Good Parenting More Effective Than Banning Violent Games
There is a huge difference between Kansas University and Kansas State University. He is, in fact a professor of Kansas State University.
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Managing Editor at TheBestGameSiteEver.com
Re: Good Parenting More Effective Than Banning Violent Games
Good eye. Thanks much.
Andrew Eisen
Re: Good Parenting More Effective Than Banning Violent Games
Parent here too. This guy is spot on. Parents wanting govt regulation are lazy and likely shouldn't be parents.
Re: Good Parenting More Effective Than Banning Violent Games
Re: Good Parenting More Effective Than Banning Violent Games
He looks very huggable.
- Left4Dead
Why are zombies always eating brains? I want to see zombies that eat toes for a living. Undead-related pun intended.
Re: Good Parenting More Effective Than Banning Violent Games
i couldn't agree more.
my dad would cut me off mid game of Duke3D or Quake 1 when i was 10yo and give me a lecture at times about the differance between reality and virtual reality.
so much is became pretty routine till i was 18 :)
i was never censored from anything (that was legal for me to see anyways) and my father would always have a chat about that sorta stuff from time to time just to make sure i knew right from wrong.
instead these days though it seems most parents are to "busy" to be around their kids, so they rely on consoles to distract the kids while they get some free time...
right... and thats not madeup, thats an actuall excuse i've seen and heard WAY to often. My father was called from work frequently during my childhood (seems i got into a lotta trouble for nothing.. funny thing was, it was usually just that, nothing, refusing to do something and in a completely non-obstructive/violent manner... damned teachers were freaken pathetic)
but he MADE time to come to school and straighting out the mess, my mother as well. They were there when i needed them and not off galabanting in some club or ignoring me in the back yard as i've watched many kids end up with as i look around.
now i'm not saying ALL parents are that bad, but really, many are, and to many at that. Sure its harder to maintain a home and decent quality of living these days, but its not impossible on lower budgets, not even remotely. just get rid of the non-necessities (beer, pop, sweets, junk food, eating out, bar/club hopping) and get what ya need.. works for me, and when i do want something expensive.. well... its nice having the extra cash around :) course, given i can make a 2 litre of whiskey last me a year, and i don't care for beer.. that makes it easier. if bars/clubs are a must.. go with friends and con them into buying. i've NEVER paid for my drinks at a club/bar, always got a shipmate or officer to do it instead.
Re: Good Parenting More Effective Than Banning Violent Games
Parents would not agree haha. They want no one to even be able to make these games in order to protect their little perfect angel.
Re: Good Parenting More Effective Than Banning Violent Games
Let's try to be a little less general, shall we?
I'm a parent. And I agree with him. I want people to be able to make whatever games they want to. And I want those game developers to be able to sell them. I also want to be able to prevent my kid from playing them if I choose.
In other words, I want the status quo. The industry can regulate itself and I can regulate my house.
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Chris Kimberley
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Chris Kimberley
Re: Good Parenting More Effective Than Banning Violent Games
It's more so they don't have to think about it or wantign the politicians to do it all for them.
Re: Good Parenting More Effective Than Banning Violent Games
Common Sense - It does still exist.