Parenting and Violent Video Games

Diab 1

Aya Diab

Prof.Dania Adra

ENG 203

October 19, 2015

Does Parenting Cause Children to Play More Violent Video Games?

Violent video games have been linked with some aggressive acts such as: school shootings, bullying, impulsive anger, and domestic violence. Researchers argue that these games teach children that violence is an acceptable way to resolve conflicts. Recently, they’ve discovered that parenting causes the children to play violent games, but the question is “Is it the only aspect that affects the child’s attitude?”. I believe it isn’t. According to the research in the article, “Warm parents show approval through affection and generally refrain from physical discipline.” (Dunn) However, this is not the case. There are many aspects such as peer pressure, stress, and bullies that affect the child’s tendency to play violent games. At home, the parents may be caring and warm, but when the child leaves the house he/she may be exposed to violent methods that will affect him/her emotionally. Friends affect the tendency to play videos game because maybe; for instance, the child secretly plays the games behind his/her parents’ back. The parenting skills aren’t the only reason why violent acts exists, and the article shouldn’t generalize playing violent games based on research done on a few kids because many children whose parents are kind and nice may be more violent than children who have been exposed to violent and aggressive parents.

However, the parenting skills also affect the propensity of their child to play violent games. The article says, “Restrictive parents are known for setting and enforcing strict rules…, while anxious-emotional parents are overprotective and known for showing elevated emotions….” (Dunn) It is true that firm rules are put by both type of parents to protect their children from external, physical damage. However, this “overprotection” causes the child to release his/her stress through playing violent video games because he/she aren’t able to express their feelings to anyone. “These findings should encourage parents to think about how they are communicating with the children,” said Mr. Laczniak. (Dunn) Yes, parents should know how to act with their children whether it was sweet or harsh. They should know what are the reasons that made their child play violent videos and reconsider his/her environment in general. In my opinion, parenting is not the only reason that children become violent or play violent games but is one of the several reasons that should be addressed to improve the life of the children.

Works Cited

Dunn, Matthew. 'Parents Blamed for Kids Playing Violent Video Games'. News.Com.Au. N.p., 2015. Web. 20 Oct. 2015. <http://www.news.com.au/technology/home-entertainment/study-finds-parenting-style-could-drive-children-to-play-violent-video-games/story-e6frfrt9-1227572133173>.