Video Games- Reason Behind Child’s Aggressive Behavior?
Children do a number of activities on their devices. Most of the time, they are playing video games of different types on their device.
For your information, the video industry is generating $10 billion in revenue. The industry is rapidly expanding due to the new gaming system and updated technology. Due to this, there is a huge competition in the market and this is creating more interactive and realistic games.
Starting from war games to car thefts, most of the games will include the graphic acts of violence. Without any doubt, children are also playing these types of games. Most of the video games include violent images of people or animals being killed. Games also show drug use, criminal behavior, and sexual exploitation that is not good for kids.
There is an ongoing debate that most of the parents think that games have no effect on their child. But many experts are saying that violent games have a harmful effect on the kids.
In the following blog, we are going to have a look at the research done regarding violent games and what step should be taken to control your kids:
Research About Violent Video Games
Note that the research on the linkage between the aggressive behavior of kids and video games is mixed. It has been shown in some of the research that children who play video games do not show any increased aggression.
But below are some studies that indicate that violent video games have a impact on a child’s well-being and behavior:
- In 2007, the study was conducted by Swinburne University of Technology. According to that study, some children are more aggressive and others are less aggressive. But the huge majority of people did not show any changes in levels of anger.
- 1n 2010, a study stated that video games are the cause behind the aggression in kids with a specific personality. For instance, it was stated that children who are high in neuroticism and low in conscientiousness become more aggressive after watching the violent video games.
- 1n 2011, a study also finds out that aggressive children will select more video games to play. The researcher did not find any clue that violent games cause aggression.
- A study of 2011 by the Center for European Economic Research has found that violent video games might promote aggressive behavior but this reduces the crime. It was suggested by the researchers that children who spend more time playing the video have engagement in anti-social activities.
Statement by the American Psychological Association
A statement was released by the American Psychological Association in 2015 that clearly stated a link between aggression and video games. This statement was supported by the research conducted back in 2005 and 2013.
The report said that violent video games decrease empathy and reduce prosocial behavior. The same statement acknowledges that there is insufficient evidence of a link between violent video games and criminal behavior.
Report of American Academy of Pediatrics Regarding Virtual Violence
In a statement issued in 2016, the American Academy of Pediatric acknowledges that it is nearly impossible to prevent children from watching any media violence. They reported that it is important for parents to stay vigilant about how media violence impacts their children.
The statement clearly said that violent video games have the power to make children aggressive, fearful, and violent in the absence of parental guidance or controls.
Tips for Limiting the Use of Video Games
As a parent, you will be worried about protecting your child from these violent games. If your child has an aggressive behavior, then protecting him from the violent material is essential. But if you have not seen any sign of aggression, then it is important for you to monitor your child’s video gameplay. This is important because if your child will be continuously playing violent games, then his or her behavior might change.
Appropriate use of media is necessary to keep your child safe. There should be a proper check on the screen time of children by parents. Parents should not only pay attention to the quantity of screen time but also on the quality of media consumed by the children.
Below are the tips that help parents to set up healthy limits for children playing the video games:
1-It is essential for parents to monitor what kind of games their children are playing. Have a close look on the website your child uses to play the games online. You need to look for a kid-friendly website only. Find out what types of games they are playing on their gaming systems as well.
2- Parents should also pay attention to the ratings of the video games and apps children are using. You need to stop your child from playing the games that have too much graphics or fall in a category that has too much violence for his or her age group. There are games available for certain age groups.
3-Parents should take out some time from their busy schedule to play games with their kids. In this way, they can easily get an idea about the games played by their kids. Furthermore, you can also talk about any unhealthy message that games provide after playing the game. Parents should act a good role model for their kids.
4-If your child is spending most of his or her time in front of a computer screen or on other digital devices, then this will have an effect on their mental and physical health. It is the duty of parents to set up some reasonable screen time limits for their kids even if the games are non-violent.
5-Digital detoxification is also essential! Set up a time when your child should do some physical activities to maintain good health. It can be on one weekend in a month, a digital detox will help your child to improve their mental health and behavior.
Conclusion
Games have an impact on the behavior of children. It is essential to set up some time when they should be allowed to play the games and parents should check what types of games they are playing on their devices.
If you are worried about monitoring the screen time of your child, get the FamilyTime app today. The app will limit the screen time on your child device. You can also set up custom rules. Once the set time is over, then the apps will be locked on your child’s device. The app is also providing other great features like app blocking, location history, SOS/Panic button, internet scheduling, and much more.
