Video Games

The violence in video games has become a controversial topic in the last decade. People are concerned that the level of violence in video games have negative effects on the children and teenagers who play them, and ultimately results in aggressive behavior. Although there is a general concern and possible correlation between the extreme violence in video games and the negative influence on children, there is no concrete evidence to prove the effects. Violent video games may be unhealthy for children to play while they are in the stages of maturing, however, is it any different than the other extreme violence displayed in movies or on television? Our media today is enveloped in an age of technology and special effects that advanced video games from the old fashioned Mario Kart to the real life animations of Halo. Video games are part of the entertainment industry, and even though they contain violence they have a rating for ages just as movies do. I don't think that violent video games should be banned, however I believe that violent video games should be used responsibly.
I believe that there are many video games that should not be used by children of a young age because of the amount of violence used in them. As kids are growing up they don't need to pretend that they are shooting prostitutes or throwing knives at police officers. Video games for children should be limited to more innocent games such as car racing, Mario Kart, educational games, etc. However, it is the parents responsibility to make sure that their child is playing appropriate games. The children who the public fears will act out in the same aggression in real life as they see on the video game is probably also the child that lacks discipline at home. A parent needs to teach their children right from wrong; what actions are meant for the video game and what actions are acceptable in everyday life. I think that parental supervision is a necessary factor with children's use of video games.
Also I beleive that the companies producing these video games owe a leve of responsibility to the public. One positive step in this direction would be the use of ratings on video games. This alerts the public to know whether it is "E" for everyone, or "M" for mature. Advertising for violent video games should also try to aim their commercials at the right audience. For instance this trailer for Halo 3 that was eventually rated "M" for mature is clearly advertising toward little children:


Commercials such as this make younger children want to play a video game that may be too violent for them. Video games have become an important part of entertainment in the 21st century, and I am not completely opposed to the violence in them. As long as the video game companies and parents take responsibility in making sure that children are playing games that are age appropriate, I am less concerned about the violence used in the games.