Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, August 7: Video game addiction among children and teenagers appears to be taking an alarming turn and it has been an issue of serious concern for parents of children glued to mobile handsets or PCs who spend hours playing violent and horrifying games of killing and destruction.
Educationists opine that games designed to boost mental ability, sharpness and skill don’t attract students much and it is a telling fact that the games kids play are so less instructive. There are a few violent action games like Call of Duty, Battlefield, Grand Theft Auto (GTA), Sniper, Splinter Cell, IGI and others that are popular but nil in educative value.
“My son is 10 years old. He plays GTA most of the time. The game is about stealing cars and firing. Therefore, my concern is relating to his behaviour lest it turns violent. He starts imitating the characters when he plays the game. I fear he may become violent sometimes,” said Sagarika Dash.
Alok Chita Khadenga said, “My son used to be buried in his books all the time. While that was not good too, these days he spends hours playing computer games at the internet parlour near our place. He wants money to go and play games there. He likes the too violent battle games which I believe is not a healthy sign.”
Games that have educative value like Big Brain Academy, Boat Colony, Eco Quest (a series of two games), History of Biology, In Living, etc are far below games filled with blood and gore on the popularity chart.
“We learn our lessons at school and it is no use rehearsing them at game time. Games without action are stale – the thrill factor is lacking and, therefore, these games are unattractive. I love to play Resident Evils. I have already completed its three parts. I am now playing the fourth part. Besides, I love to play wrestling games like WWE – great adventure,” said Soumya Barala, a 12-year-old-boy.
Another kid Pratap Sahu said that there is no harm being addicted to video games. “They are thrilling and enjoyable,” he says.
Meanwhile, physiatrists say the effects of playing violent games can be deep. “If kids play such games every day they might experience behavioural disorders. These games may sensitise kids, but they may also create an aggressive attitude. Besides, they might also suffer from personality dissuasion,” said Biswaranjan Mishra, physiatrist at AIIMS.
