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Kids and video games
Hi, sorry if this question has already been asked! I was wondering what you guys think about kids playing violent video games. I have a 12 and a half year old son who loves his xbox, the other day he was playing an assasin game, it's set back hundreds of years and he likes history and stuff. Anyway he said "I have to go kill 'this guy'" and I nearly said, "oh thats good" but something stopped me and I felt I couldn't say it so I said nothing.
Is there anything in Buddhism for things like this?
Thanks
Is there anything in Buddhism for things like this?
Thanks
0
Comments
It really depends on the kid. And you know yours best. Does he recognize the difference between video games and real life? Why does he enjoy the game?
Assassin's Creed isn't really about "oh yay fun, kill kill kill." It actually discusses the morality of it. But still, it does depend on the individual and whether your child is mature enough to even recognize this. Now a game like Grand Theft Auto, I would say absolutely not, to whether kids should be playing it. ;D
just kidding
actually i can't offer much advice because i don't have any kids. i don't think video games are a huge problem, even ones with violence, but at the same time they aren't that beneficial, especially when during the ripe years of childhood, we should be training children in love and mindfulness.
actually.... the problem is that you find something wrong with the violence and the killing.... but if you foster an environment within your household/community of genuine love for your boy, and he really soaks it in, whether or not he still plays the game won't matter, because it will only be a game
the problem is if the violence desensitizes him in some way... so try to cultivate a larger sensitivity to love and kindness, first in yourself, and then in him, but be gentle and don't force it
this is another matter, but video games can also rob children of their own imagination, by them depending so much on the xbox.... so maybe also developing his imagination might be good.... HAHA I DUNNO
sure there is
if you pay attention to the names and meanings
try to see the relationship between numbers and dhamma concepts
and
colours too (but at the beginning it is better forget the colours, otherwise it is too much for the brain)
you will see some deep meaning come out of them than the surface story we see or listen
Lmao so you're one of those guys on GoW who leaves death threats and the like huh?
It seems that most video games incorporate killing here or there. But what about movies where the protagonist kills or encourages killing? Surely we mentally hope in the storyline that the protagonist destroys / kills the antagonist, which is the basis for many many many stories. Or books! "No more reading Homer kids!".
Simply use your judgment!
I think saying nothing is appropriate for a situation like that. Though, even an "oh, why?" might help open up a conversation about kindness and morality. I've seen two kinds of kids (grossly categorizing for the sake of example.) One type plays with killing, swearing and aggression in a way that helps them see what it is about, eventually growing out of it. Another type gets sucked into it and taught social and moral direction from the games. If the question caught a note inside you ("something stopped me") then it would probably be a good kind of conversation to have, to make sure you understand how he relates to the gaming. From there, follow your heart... I have no doubt that knowing what to do next would be available to you.
I personally don't think there is tons wrong with Assassin's Creed II, though I wouldn't let my son play it (he's 8.) The player does have to kill people, which could be confusing, and certainly isn't a remarkable lesson in compassion.
With warmth,
Matt
He seems SO much more drawn to the violent games than the tamer games for some reason and this worries me.
I know it all depends on the kids upbringing and the way his parents instilled non-violence values into him and the example they see in others, but for some reason, lil kids LOVE violence. Not good.
I think the primary harm of video games comes when kids spend so much time & energy on them that their performance in the game matters to them more than "real-life" pursuits. Bank some of that video game time into honing a useful skill & learning, and your life will be pretty amazing.
My parents were mostly concerned about limiting my video game time - I wasn't allowed to own a console (nor had a computer) until middle school.
Good dad for not saying "oh that's great!" :rolleyes:
I suggest keeping the kids away from anything rated M. They're rated that way for a reason. But the kids play them regularly, and most parents don't seem to mind. It's like letting an 8-year-old watch an R rated movie. These have to leave an impression on young minds.
I got my nephew interested in racing games. He comes over and we play Motorstorm for hours. So there are alternatives. Not many, I'm afraid, seeing how these games are being marketed these days. But they're out there.
Funny, I've played video games pretty much my whole life. And I've chalked up thousands and thousands of hours playing violent games (the God of War series is my particular favorite these days). Yet somehow I turned out just fine. Believe me, I find real life violence abhorrent.
Those are all silly in my book. The fact is that people have some fantasies about violence. Should Robin Hood and King Arthur and his Knights be banned? Harry Potter? Even care bears shoot the bad guy with rainbows and smileys from their stomach.
At the same time some of the games are going for shock values with like Grand Theft Auto. Its funny I think for an adult who is well adjusted and spends most of his time studying/working to laugh about GTA.. But for a 13 year old thats not so good. The reason is that they have not seen how life punishes you when you get into bad scenes like real life violence and drugs. They might get kind of a 'fuck it' attitude or just some bad attitudes. Violence IS a bit disturbing.
I liked Pietro's response that to focus on providing a supportive environment. I remember I was kind of depressed and alienated from friends in junior high. A little disturbed mentally. I read the God Father by Mario Puzo and it kind of resonated with me I mean I got a kick out of it. I think I needed something dark at that time to identify with. At the same time I am glad I didn't abandon all moral values and just do hard drugs and hurt people. Which some people do. So I think art and games can have disturbing elements. Theres a difference between assassinating someone in a video game and on a battle field pulling a trigger and knowing it is real.
Violence is particularly cultural for males. If a boy has a doll he is ridiculed. But if his doll has a sword and a grappling hook it is quite cool action figure.