by Melissa Cavanaugh

Created on: January 31, 2009   Last Updated: February 12, 2009

Video games are mere entertainment for our children. Just as violent books don't create violent people, violent video games don't create violent kids. Video games are a break from reality for children. They are able to let out their aggressions in a non-confrontational way, and understand that doing so is acceptable. The format of video games is no different than allowing a child to play cowboys and robbers with friends, or using toy guns in play.

With that said, parents need to take an active role in allowing the games into the home. Discussions with children regarding the violent aspects of the game are necessary. Children need to know that playing a game that has violence included is completely different than how we act in our regular life. Video games are make-believe. Children need to have an outlet for the many emotions they may have, and utilizing video games is a safe way to release their tensions.

Children who play video games don't immediately turn them off, grab a violent weapon of choice, and begin annihilating their families. They don't turn from a sweet, caring child into a raving maniac with a taste for blood. If a child becomes violent, troubled, it is because of factors other than the video games. A child's home environment is highly indicative of how they will turn out as adults. If the family is loving, kind, yet firm with discipline, the child will understand that video games are "make believe" and not a real part of life. Children who are abused, troubled, or neglected are likely going to have a violent streak whether or not violent video games are played. Admittedly, violence could be encouraging for such troubled, needy children - but for the general public, video games won't impact them any differently than other stimuli.

Balance is the main issue when allowing violent video games into your home. If your child is constantly bombarded by violence, it isn't going to help mold them as a better person. However, if allowed in small doses, with the clear explanation made that the violence is acceptable in a non-realistic mode only, children will differentiate and acknowledge the correct placement of violence. If the video games are an allowed fantasy, a break from homework, housework, sports, the regular stuff - the games will be viewed as a special "treat", to be enjoyed in moderation. As with all good things, moderation really is the key.

Those critical of violent video games should note that many video games on the market allow you to choose the level of violence in your game. For example, "Gears of War", a violent game most certainly, allows you to turn off the "blood/gore" and the language. Each family is different, but if yours is a happy, secure family, there is nothing wrong with allowing a little break from the norm into your home.

Learn more about this author, Melissa Cavanaugh.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.