Read other letters about this article

• Saturday, November 11, 2006 12:47 PM

  Not harmless

  I find it worrying that so many people don't see any problem with games like this. No, they aren't the cause of violence but for those kids maybe more inclined to violence (through parental, environmental factors, etc) there is at least a risk that they can help fan the flames.

  I just do not accept that playing hours and hours of games where the killing and general mayhem is all just for 'fun' does not affect some kids. Sure, most kids come out of this unscathed and, no, you can't hide the real world from your kids, but that's the point, it isn't the real world, and they will absorb this, to varying extents, as part of their experience of 'life'. But this is not real life: you don't feel the pain or experience the consequences of this violence. That's true of TV and film as well, of course, but video games generally constitute a longer and more concentrated dose for many kids.

  I'm a software developer by trade and therefore tempramentally inclined to admire the imagination and technical ingenuity that goes into these games (I've played a lot of them) but I am concerned at the effects they can have on (some) kids.

  —David W Read David W's other letters
  Permalink
  Flag
  Click "Submit Flag" if you feel this post is inappropriate. Explain why below if you wish.

  Cancel