“In this century, the mass media have come to rival parents, school, and religion as the most influential institution in children's lives.” - Media and Values Magazine
I continue to am hear our young students, some as young as kindergarten, talking about playing violent video games, including Call of Duty, at home. Call of Duty games are first person shooter games that are known for blood and profanity. Why in the world is a five-year-old playing such a game? Needless to say, many of these same children are hurting each other at recess because they are playing live versions of these games on the yard. In their minds it is just make believe and they are just playing.
The resurgence of superheroes in movies and on television also exposes young children to content that is not always appropriate. The “Bang”, “Oof”, and “Pow” of the old animated Batman series is a far cry from the digital effects in today’s films. Modern action sequences are much more realistic and, in most cases, more violent. Young students want to act out their favorite scenes at school and often end up hurting themselves or their classmates.
As a school, the teachers work with students to play appropriately, keep their hands to themselves, and talk out conflicts. Children are repeatedly told that there is no play-fighting at school. We have prohibited the play of any active-shooter type games on laptops during recesses and at extended care. We cannot, however, control what students do outside of school, and their viewing habits and computer use at home sets the tone for their behavior at school.
I would like to pass along a resource that might be a valuable tool in helping parents research media choices that are appropriate for their children’s age and maturity level. It is called Common Sense Media (https://www.commonsensemedia.org/) and has detailed book, movie, and game reviews along with information on websites, apps, and answers to parent questions about media and children.
I have shared this resource before, but I think it is worth repeating. In these days of digital everything, parents need tools to supervise their children’s media exposure, be it on television, on screen, or online. I hope you will find this helpful.
All the best,
Miss J
