With regards to computer games, you’ve raised a good point. You could have also pointed out that it’s actually statistically-proven that kids who grew up with video games have better organization and strategy skills than those who didn’t. I’m not sure if this result is independent of the amount of gore in the game though.

Anyway, I sincerely think that nussu the ridge online should post more of Outspoken articles. Why only one??! :D

I tried my hand at GTA San Andreas and it struck me as horribly violent and quite idiotic. But as I watched the boyfriend spend his afternoon playing some black guy who goes around on some sort of a mission while shooting ppl and grabbing hot cars, I suppose it’s the idiocy of the thing that appeals. You want it, you take it. Use the cheatcodes and you’re invincible. Just keep on going bangbangbangbangbang and feel good about yourself.

This can be easily translated into the real world. We’ve seen it happen too many times. Suddenly, killing someone loses its stigma and you have no inhibitions whatsoever to kill that classmate you hated, the type of people you felt didn’t deserve to be alive. Your own grandparents even.

Our culture is full of violence and to have toys depict such violence is not a sign of strength but of disease. Parents must realise that while talking to children and trying to use reason and persuasion is super humane and mature, but at a certain age and at a certain stage of development, the only thing that can get through to them above the din of videogames, is the simple physical act of throwing away the games, punishing them and making sure they know why. Teaching kids to make good choices is the trick.

Raising kids isn’t always about being nice to them. Parents were kids themselves and if they continue blaming the world outside about what happens inside their own homes, they’re fighting a losing battle in this endless cycle.