Whether it is violent video games or violent films such as The Hunger Games that recently had a hugebox office opening, parents repeatedly have to contend with decisions regarding the possible impact of such media on children.
Parental concerns about violence in The Hunger Games
The recently released film based on the novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins has opened to critical acclaim and record box office collections during the opening weekend.
This is the first part of which is likely to be a trilogy, and promises to rival the popularity of the Twilight Saga in times to come.
The Motion Picture Association of America has given the movie a PG-13 rating for “intense violent thematic material and disturbing images – all involving teens.”
After making some cuts, the film was given a12A rating by the British Board of Film Classification for “intense threat, moderate violence and occasional gory moments.”
So clearly if parents are wondering whether the movie is going to be suitable for their tweens, this is only natural.
Common Sense Media, the media watchdog group, recommends that parents should make their own decision taking into account each individual situation for each unique child.
It could be a difficult decision considering that kids may already have read the book and are eager to watch the movie as well.
In the poll conducted by Fox News, 66% parents thought that children shouldn’t be allowed to watch the film, nearly 10% weren’t sure and thought that there may be no harm considering that the kids were reading the book already.
About 20% of parents thought that kids should be allowed to watch the film since it got them thinking.
Violent videogames may be damaging for kids
Meanwhile British teachers have warned that violent computer and video games could have a damaging impact on kids of primary school age.
Concerns are being expressed about several things including the amount of time that kids typically spend closeted in their rooms – this not only means that they are playing video games but also that they are missing out on normal interaction with other kids and physical activity in the bargain.
Add to this the fact that some video games are seriously violent, which can have a damaging impact on the kids, and the problem seems to compound itself. It is a valid point that if there is a violent video game in the home, it can be very difficult to regulate who plays it and whether it is even suitable for those who do.
