Video games are nothing new to the American culture. Heck, I remember playing Pong and the Atari 2600 as a kid. Frogger and Pitfall were (and still are) two of my all-time favorites growing up in the late 70s/early 80s. But as most things do, the video game craze continued to grow and blossom into what has become a multibillion dollar industry. According to the Entertainment Software Rating Board, the video game industry is a $10.5 billion dollar golden egg with 67% of the gamers between the ages of 18-49.
So needless to say, the video game industry is not going anywhere. And frankly, why should they? In the large scheme of things, they can promote social involvement; a common ground for like minded individuals to come together and enjoy the company of people who share the same interests. In fact, it has become its own culture.
However, if Star Wars has taught us anything, it’s that there is also a great and powerful dark side.
A study by the American Psychological Association has shown that violent video games can increase aggression in children by teaching them inappropriate ways to externalize anxiety. Instead of learning how to communicate and express their feelings, they take it out by shooting, killing, stealing and harming computer generated people.
“But that’s better than doing it to real people!” No. Allow me to explain why. The American Psychological Association has stated that when a child or teen plays a violent video game, he or she is less likely to help peers or even care about them.
This is where the parents come in. Research has shown that when parents intervene and limit the amount of game play, and monitor the child or teen’s media that they engage in, the less likely they are to display aggressive behaviors.
However, what is a parent to do when their “tween” is longing for adventure or action and wants to release their anxieties or anger? There are a few options:
- Take a minimum of 10 minutes a day to actually talk to the child or teen about their day. Building trust in the parent/child relationship is important.
- Realize that when the child is about the age of 10, they know that they have a brain and want to start making decisions. Start giving them guided options so that they can feel they have some control. For example: An 11 year old wants a known violent game for his or her game system. As a parent you can explain why you feel that is not an option, but that they may have games A, B or C. They will not like that at first. But compared to the other option of not getting a game, the child will opt for one of the others and will feel ownership in the decision becausethey made the decision.
- It is vital that parents become educated in what their children are doing and choosing as an outlet. While people may argue that video games will improve hand/eye coordination, the same can be true about baseball, football, or any other outdoor activity.
- People/Teens who are diagnosed with ADHD or ADD or more prone to be addicted to video games as it allows them to become hyper focused. Certain disorders, such as ADHD or Bipolar are hereditary so you may want to have them checked out.
Luckily, there are shows out there Like MAX ADVENTURE that provide the excitement and adventure that many of today’s children are wanting, but limit the action. The difference between action and adventure is that action usually involves the harm of someone or something, while adventure is the exciting experience that the hero happens to go through.
Max Adventure is an animated adventure show that sneaks into each episode psychological and behavioral education. This show teaches to express feelings and emotions, to accept and handle change responsibly, and to show respect to others.
Max Adventure is a kind of space opera that’s full of exciting people, worlds, and experiences. Kids and teens will never know they are being taught a lesson.
