Smart+Parenting+for+Video+Games

Violent video games and the affect they have on children



[|Does video game violence actually affect children?] A recent study at the Iowa State University psychologists says yes that children do. Their study shows that brief exposure to violent video games can cause a reduction in normal physiological reactivity to images of real violence. One of the researchers involved in the study, says, "Basically, we introduce young children to very playful, fun, cartoonish forms of violence, with little or no blood, no real consequences to the victim or friends and family of the victim." As children grow "more realistic and more threatening elements" are added. Eventually we have adults "accustomed to and comfortable with seeing lots of blood and gore, with an exaggerated view of how much violence exists or is "normal" in modern society, and with belief systems that are supportive of use of aggression or violence." ﻿ ﻿ ﻿(Teresa McEntire)

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Because it would be hard to completely eliminate video games from your child's life. You can decrease the negatve impact they have on your child. [|Here are some tips]: ﻿ **﻿ **
 * Know the rating of the video games your child plays.
 * Do not install video game equipment in your child's bedroom.
 * Set limits on how often and how long your child is allowed to play video games.
 * Supervise your child's Internet use - there are now many "video games" available for playing online.
 * Take the time to discuss with your children the games they are playing or other media they are watching. Ask your children how they feel about what they observe in these video games, television programs or movies. This is an opportunity to share your feelings and grow closer with your child.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;"> Here's a video of how video games that are violent can affect children media type="youtube" key="BQN0UWvFAgg?fs=1" height="351" width="432" align="center"