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Media Violence

"By the time they are eighteen, children in the U.S. witness over
200,000 acts of violence through the media. We are teaching
our childrenthat violence is the primary way to solve problems."           
  • Dr. Bruce Perry


Violence. It’s not a game. Especially when children are playing it.
Not all video games sold in stores or played over the Internet contain violence. But because of the extreme popularity of many violence-based games, it is important for parents and other caregivers to recognize the subtle and destructive nature of the video game assault on young minds. Education can help parents determine what games are appropriate for children to play. More than 1000 research studies indicate that if you put media violence in a child’s life, you are much more likely to get an increase in violent behavior, verbal abuse, bullying behaviors, and/or fear.
Caution! Game contents include rewards for killing.
Today’s video games depict super-real worlds, full of lifelike images and 3-D action graphics. In the case of many Teen- and Mature-Rated games, the depiction of violence is also realistic. Vivid scenes portray the sights and sounds of weapons striking flesh and blood splattering when bodies are kicked or repeatedly shot. Some games focus solely on the torture of prisoners. Here, you mutilate at will.
Often violence is encouraged. Players receive points for criminal behavior, as when cars are stolen, police officers killed, or innocent bystanders are beaten to death. Another reward comes in the form of a "thinking" sound track, whereby sadistic, sexist and sometimes racist remarks are delivered with macho humor. These cruel remarks turn victims into mere objects of torture.
With so much emphasis on rewarding violent behavior, it is no surprise that players' choices do not include peaceful decisions. There is no button for "I'm sorry" in Grand Theft Auto. A player can only keep running or escalate the violence. At the very least, such repetitive violence can lead to desensitization.
Lastly, games never portray the realistic consequences of criminal behavior. Sitting five years in a jail cell is not very exciting, even in 3-D.
The Game Rating System
Video games, along with other entertainment software, is rated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB), an industry sponsored organization. To understand the rating system, click on the link below:
http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/parents/video_games/ratings_videogames.cfm In addition, you can go to www.esrb.org information regarding specific video games. For your convenience, we have listed the ratings of a selection of 2004 and 2005 games and recommendations by www.mediawise.org at the bottom of this web page.
Decide. Act. Speak Out.
Here are a few key actions you can take:
  1. Preview your children’s video games.
    Check the rating and content descriptors on the box, and spend time watching the game yourself. Encourage discussion of images or scenarios that you find controversial. If you are unable to monitor children’s viewing, then restrict the types of games you have in your home.
  2. Limit children’s game time.
    Do not allow video gaming to rule your family’s free time. Games are highly addictive. Establish limits, set times, and structure children’s game playing so that it occurs only after schoolwork and chores are done.
  3. Keep game players and TV sets in a central family room.
    When games are viewed openly, parents have a greater chance of interacting with their youngsters.
  4. Teach your children to become media literate.
    Begin by discussing the deeper messages contained within a game culture that rewards violence.
  5. Encourage other activities.
    Start with exercise. Watching too much TV, whether broadcast programming or interactive gaming, has been linked to early obesity, diabetes, and a host of unhealthy consequences in viewers of all ages. Passive viewing can lead to social isolation.
  6. Get involved. Start by learning more.
    Become Game Smart. Join with other members of your community in speaking out on video game violence, and in educating others on these important issues. Use the contact information on the opposite page.
Speak Up At Your Local Video Store Talk to your local video store owners and employees. Make sure they understand how strongly you feel about protecting your children from violence-based video games. Ask if they are diligent about checking ID’s to be sure they do not sell Mature-Rated games to children under 17 or Teen-Rated games to kids under 13. Let them know you will take your business elsewhere if they are not serious about enforcement.

For more information on video and computer games:
www.mediafamily.org
GAME RATINGS
Selected 2004 & 2005 Game Lists
Data was taken from www.mediawise.org 2004 & 2005 Video Game Report Card
Parent Alert! Games to avoid for your children and teens
Game Lists Rating:
Urban Reign T
Halo 2 M
Blitz: The League M
Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude M
Conker: Live and Reloaded M
Mortal Combat Deception M
Doom 3 M
Psi Ops: the Mindgate Conspiracy M
Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil M
Resident Evil 4 M
F.E.A.R. M
Resident Evil: Outbreak M
Far Cry M Rumble Roses M
God of War M
Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse M
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories M
The Guy Game M
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas M
The Warriors M
Half Life 2 M
True Crime: New York City M

MediaWise recommended games for children and teens
Game Lists Rating:
Backyard Baseball 2005 E
Peter Jackson’s King Kong T
Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, & Wardrobe T
Pikmin 2 E
Dance Dance Revolution UNTRAMIX3 E 10+
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time T
ESPN NFL 2K5 E
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 E
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire E 10+
Sid Meir’s Pirates! E
Jak 3 T SimCity 4 E
Karaoke Revolution 3 E
Sly 2: Band of Thieves
Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap E
Sly 3: Honor Amongst Thieves E 10+
Madden NFL 2005 E
The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminder E 10+
Myst IV: Revelation T
We Love Katamari E