Violent Video Games: What Christian Parents Can Do

Peace Ministries

"One of the most effective ways for Christians to be salt and light is by simply confronting the culture of violence as entertainment." — Lt. Col. David Grossman

David Grossman is an American military psychologist. He has determined that the tools and tactics used to train soldiers to kill are the same as those employed in the media entertainment industry, specifically, in video games. He asserts, "Every time a child plays an interactive video game, he is learning the exact same conditioned reflex skills as a soldier or police officer in training." (Christianity Today, 10 August 1998).

 

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What is wrong with violent video games?

Games are built on violence and little else.
Many computer and video games sold today are built exclusively around violence and aggression. The goal of the player is simply to shoot or blow up any person or creature that appears on the screen. There are no opportunities to develop problem-solving or communication skills.

Violence is rewarded
Most games reward a player's skill by moving him to a new level of violence. As the player masters this level, the amount of violence increases. There are rewards for those who become skilled at killing. Moreover, as players associate game-playing with leisure activity or a favourite snack, they come to associate the violence on the screen with pleasure. Killing becomes a pleasurable activity.

Increase in violent behaviour
A growing body of literature links the playing of violent video games with increased levels of aggressive behaviour. Although not every child or youth who plays a violent game will behave in a violent way, some will, particularly when there are other risk factors as work.

Interactive nature
Initial studies indicate that the negative effect of playing video and computer games is greater than that of simply watching violent TV programs or movies because of their interactive nature. Children and youth are not only watching acts of depravity, they are participating in them.

Distorted images
Violent games, especially first-person shooter games, portray all those who appear on the screen as enemies to be destroyed. Where women exist, they are usually helpless victims; occasionally they are violent predators. In almost all cases, the women have very sexy bodies and have few clothes on.

 

Violent video games go against the biblical teachings

• that all people are created in the image of God
• that we are called to love our enemies
• that men and women are to relate to one another with justice and respect
• that we are to think on those things which are pure and honourable

 

What can Christian parents do about this problem?

At home:

• Monitor video game play even more vigilantly than TV viewing
• Limit game-playing time to no more than 1 hour a day
• Become familiar with the games your child is playing
• Purchase or rent only games which are recommended for your child's age. Be aware that "Mature" games can be downloaded from the Internet
• Provide alternative ways for your child to spend time
• Do not put computer or video game sets in your child's bedroom where he/she can play behind a closed door

At church:

• Discuss your concerns with other families; pray together for guidance
• Hold a workshop or adult education class on media violence
• Provide healthy activities for children and youth

In the community:

• Share your concerns with the managers of stores selling or renting games
• Let the provincial government know you support a regulatory system for the sale and rental of video games (as exists for movies)

 

Additional Resources:

Media Awareness Network
This site provides a host of information about violence in the Canadian media. It includes many useful suggestions for media awareness events and how concerned Canadians can address the issue. National Institute of Media and the Family
This Minneapolis-based organization publishes an annual independent report card on the computer and video industry and provides information about the content of specific games. The Lion and the Lamb
This site provides information about the media and toy industries and about the effects of violent play on children and youth. Once a year it identifies the 12 best and 12 worst toys for children. Killology Project
This site highlights the work of Lt. Col. David Grossman quoted at the beginning.