A Parent’s Guide to Violence in Video Games
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By Rob Anderson
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GTAV is rated Mature for a reason.
Violence in video games has been a hot button subject since the early days of the video game rating system. It all started with a little game called Mortal Kombat and a blood setting that was “on” for the Sega Genesis version, and “off” for the Super Nintendo version. I can remember working in a retail location and denying purchase of a game depending on the rating. I also remember catching a lot of flak from the parents of the kids I denied purchase to.
Today, we hear about people blaming video games for mass shootings and violent crime. Last I checked, there was violence before video games. Charles Whitman didn't have video games, and if you don't know who that is, look it up.
It seems that today a lot of people act as if the government needs to decide for them for them what is right and what is wrong. The government needs to play middle man and tell them what their kids should and shouldn't play. Won’t someone please think of the children?
I am a parent. I know that there are games I can play in front of my son and games that I cannot play - because he knows the difference. My son is one year old and he knows what is going on.
Grand Theft Auto V is in the spotlight right now for depictions of violence and torture. There is talk that while playing the game we will send the wrong message to kids, that torture is OK. The game is rated M - 17+. I so often hear "But of course kids are going to play it…" Well that's the parents fault, not the publisher.
You let your kid play a game that is meant for people more mature than your kid, how is that the responsibility of the publisher? Again, I am a parent, my kid can play an M rated game when he is good and ready.
I'm not saying that he will be 17, who knows…
Today, we hear about people blaming video games for mass shootings and violent crime. Last I checked, there was violence before video games. Charles Whitman didn't have video games, and if you don't know who that is, look it up.
It seems that today a lot of people act as if the government needs to decide for them for them what is right and what is wrong. The government needs to play middle man and tell them what their kids should and shouldn't play. Won’t someone please think of the children?
I am a parent. I know that there are games I can play in front of my son and games that I cannot play - because he knows the difference. My son is one year old and he knows what is going on.
Grand Theft Auto V is in the spotlight right now for depictions of violence and torture. There is talk that while playing the game we will send the wrong message to kids, that torture is OK. The game is rated M - 17+. I so often hear "But of course kids are going to play it…" Well that's the parents fault, not the publisher.
You let your kid play a game that is meant for people more mature than your kid, how is that the responsibility of the publisher? Again, I am a parent, my kid can play an M rated game when he is good and ready.
I'm not saying that he will be 17, who knows…
Games like Zoo Tycoon are age appropriate for all gamers.
What I am saying is that is my responsibility to make that choice and that no one else is blamed if my kid plays something he is not ready for.
Each and every one of us parents is responsible for the destiny of our children. Each of us is responsible for making sure our children know the difference between right and wrong. Each of us is responsible for making sure our children play games that are appropriate for their age.
The Motion Picture Society of America determines what is and is not appropriate for children do watch in the theaters, and most people accept that. When it comes to the Electronic Software Ratings Board (ESRB), people seem to get sketchy - Like this entity needs to make the decision for them.
(Note: Neither the MPAA nor the ESRB are government agencies. Both were created by their respective industries to self-govern)
Each and every one of us parents is responsible for the destiny of our children. Each of us is responsible for making sure our children know the difference between right and wrong. Each of us is responsible for making sure our children play games that are appropriate for their age.
The Motion Picture Society of America determines what is and is not appropriate for children do watch in the theaters, and most people accept that. When it comes to the Electronic Software Ratings Board (ESRB), people seem to get sketchy - Like this entity needs to make the decision for them.
(Note: Neither the MPAA nor the ESRB are government agencies. Both were created by their respective industries to self-govern)
The issue of violence in video games comes down to one thing - parental responsibility. Be responsible for what your children play, how they play, and what it means. This will make the difference between the evening news and the evening gaming session.
You decide which parent you want to be.
You decide which parent you want to be.
