Violence And Zombie Ridden Video Games Could Harm Children

Remember playing Mario, Dave, Pacman, Zelda and video games such in your childhood?

Most of us are still fans of one video game or the other that we find on our smartphones. Irrespective of age, video games are pretty much loved and enjoyed all over the world, but this love is now apparently turning into an obsession for many people in India. Whilst many studies have shown that witnessing the Cyberpunk 2077 gangs acting in a violent manner, or engaging with other violent games, do more to relieve anger and stress than cause it, people are still concerned.

Recently, Forum Against Corruption, an organisation in Hyderabad filed a petition before the Ministry Of Electronics And Information Technology against PUBG, an online video game and demanded a ban on games with violence and cruelty.

Dr P. K. N. Chowdary, a senior psychiatrist says that the effect of the game depends on the environment the people are living in, but it can be addictive and affect other activities of children.

Kids below eight years of age are prone to get influenced more, as they are in their developmental stage.

‘But the effect on those above eight years of age will depend on the kind of environment they live in and parental influence. Video games are redirecting the negativity that exists in us into virtual violence and decreasing it in the real world.’ added Chowdhary.

Forum against Corruption said in a report, ‘Around 28 countries have already banned video games because of violence and cruelty in them. Kids and adults of all age groups are getting addicted to this game and we worry about untoward incidents.’

Sai Teja from FAC is quoted, ‘We are hoping that the ministry, which is the enforcement-cum-regulatory authority for such things, will act before it is too late and save some lives getting lost or ruined.’

There have been several cases where video games have hampered the mental health of individuals, say city mental health professionals..

A city-based Psychologist speaking to Pune365 says “Kids get influenced easily while adults get addicted to such games which hamper their other activities.

Also, people who are glued in cell phones and video games harm their own health in many ways. Sitting at one place in itself for long hours increases the chances of obesity, fingers getting numb, problems in joints and also developing weak eyesight.

Reports cite the example of a 15-year-old who developed adverse effects with playing PUBG as he was so involved in the game that he would hit himself if we lost.

The video games contain excessive violence- which leads to impatient and aggressive behaviour in kids, profanity and other issues which can impair development.

While speaking about how parents can help, the psychologist shares,
Kids should be allowed to play video games only at a certain period of time.
Don’t allow them to play when you’re busy or going out.
Try playing the game yourself to understand the game better.
Indulge them in some outdoor activities.

City parent Dipali Shivatare says, “Video Games should definitely be banned in Maharashtra too. It is difficult to keep an eye on your kids especially when you’re working.

I have seen my son playing video games very often, however, I try to restrict it but am sure he must be doing it on my back. I suppose I could always try to find online resources like teamfight tactics tips for more information to see if it is appropriate.

The problem is not with the video game but the way it is been helping them develop in wrong ways.

Moreover, If you restrict or scold them from playing, they hide from you and play. These video games are becoming difficult to deal with.

Sanket Nadekar, techie says, “There is no reason video games should be banned in Maharashtra especially PUBG and not for any age group either.

The game is a refreshing option and should be used like that only even for kids. It can be a calm and relaxing experience, like how league of legends elo boosting can be for some people within the MOBA genre, if handled correctly. There is already enough burden with homework, classes, schools and there should be some kind of entertainment also for them.

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#All views reflected in this article are those of the respondents and Pune365 does not necessarily subscribe to them.