• Hamida Ahmed, a Consultant Psychologist (CEO/Founder- Tulivu Counselling and Wellness Services) said that children playing violent video games can get desensitized to violence and murder.
• Dr. Ahmed urged parents to do a deep dive research on the games that they buy for their children.
Image: COURTESY
Protecting a child from violent behaviours is no doubt the priority of any parent.
The advent of technology and modern-day mobile games presents a daunting challenge to parents who are uncertain of what is good for their children.
Research affirms that whatever a child watches has an impact on his behaviour and thinking.
Catherine Mutisya, a Consultant psychiatrist at Nairobi, says child aggression is one of the products of engaging in violent video games and violent media content.
With many parents privy to that fact, choosing what is right for their children on the internet and television is something they would love to do.
Hamida Ahmed, Consultant Psychologist and CEO of Tulivu Counselling and Wellness Services, says children playing violent video games can get desensitized to violence and murder.
This is especially so when they consistently play the role of the aggressor, 'killing the enemy'.
Ahmed adds that the risk of violent video games to children does not just end with aggression.
She further observed that these children may also lack healthy social skills as they spend so much time on their screens.
"There's the danger of children playing with strangers who may expose them to inappropriate materials. There's also the risk of getting addicted to gaming."
She adds that the school performance of violent video game players may be affected negatively.
This is because they spend too much time online instead of studying.
"When asked to stop playing, they may become quite irritated or even violent."
"I know of children who play the whole night. This leaves them exhausted and sleepy when in school. They are also easily irritated," Ahmed said.
In a study done by Murray and Webret in 2006, MRI brain imaging in children playing violent video games has shown their brains responding to the violence as if it was real.
Image: Courtesy/ San Diego Family Magazine
Further, according to a study conducted by Psychologists Craig Anderson and Karen Dill, playing violent video games can increase a person’s aggressive thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
On April 20, 1999, in Columbine High School, USA, two students shot dead twelve students and one teacher before turning the guns to themselves.
The FBI reported that they may have been influenced by the violent Video Games they both shared interest in.
Eric Harris and Dylan Klebodo, the shooters, were both fans of shooter video games.
Harris’s computer had a file that read "the massacre will be like the LA riots, the Oklahoma bombing, WW2, Vietnam, Duke and Doom all mixed.”
In addition to naming his gun Arlene, a character from Doom novels, Harris wished to ‘Get a few extra frags on the scoreboard.’
“This is settled science-studies have shown a connection between virtual violence and real-world aggression,” Dimitri Christakis, Director Seattle Children’s Research Institute said.
Ahmed urged parents to do a deep dive research on the games that they buy for their children.
"Sometimes parents buy games for their children because they are popular and other kids have them. Look for time to play the games with them so you have a feeling about the games."
She further urged parents to talk about the house rules, like how much time the kids should be gaming.
If you are concerned that your child is spending too much time playing video games or your child starts becoming obsessed with aggressive or violent video games, make sure you set some limits.
"Warn them about playing with strangers. Educate the children so that they understand that what they play is not necessarily a true reflection of what happens in real life," she said adding that children should be taught that there are consequences to behaviours.
"Before buying a game, ask yourself, what will this game teach my child? " She challenged parents.
Image: Courtesy/Friday Magazine
Expect some pushback because you're going to get it.
But kids actually need and want boundaries, and if you set them, eventually they'll surprise you and they'll appreciate that you do monitor them and that you do set limits.
“I told my daughter to stop playing a particular game. At first, she got really mad at me but then I proposed we play Girl Alone, an anime friendly game, together. It has been some time now since we began,” a parent identified by name as Shanier told the Star.
She said the process of rehabilitating her daughter was challenging. She had started the game with her peers and had begun showing signs of anxiety disorders.
“We went to a counsellor and after some visits, she told me she was afraid of guns and bad men. Turns out the violent game she was playing was affecting her emotionally,” Shanier continued.
“I believe parents are the best solution to keeping inappropriate games out of their children’s hands.”
David Walsh, the founder and president of the National Institute on Media and the Family wrote in his book, “No, Why Kids – of All Ages – Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It.”
According to Walsh, the less a child engages in violent games and media, the much their physical and mental health improves.
In these times, it is understandable that most parents spend most of their days at work.
However, during off days, it is advisable to link up with your child and see how they are doing.
“I get my off days on Mondays. When my son arrives home from school, we play checkers before his homework.” Kamau said.
Ahmed said that once a parent/guardian notices excessive hours of gaming, they should be concerned.
"Other behaviours to look out for include moodiness, sleeping very late, constantly tired, withdrawn from family activities, adding weight because they don't play sports with friends."