Violent Video Games Should Be Banned

Violent video games have raised serious concerns due to their potential impact on aggression,
behavior, and social interactions among players, especially children and teenagers. To explore
this issue further and understand parents’ perspectives, a survey has been conducted to gather
insights on how these games influence children’s lives. The findings from the survey will help
analyze whether violent video should be banned.
The survey focused on a specific age group of male children aged 12 to14 years. A
total of 20 parents participated, with 75% being fathers and 25% of mothers. Among children,
15% were aged 12, 45% were aged 13 and 40% were aged 14. The methodology employed a
trichotomous scale, allowing respondents to express their perspective through options of ‘yes’,
‘no’, and ‘maybe.’

Results and Discussions

Item 1
The survey’s first item (Do you think gaming effects your child school performance)
reveals a strong consensus, with 95% of respondents reporting ‘yes’. Additionally, 5% of
respondents indicated ‘maybe’ while none of the respondents (0%) reported ‘no.’ This indicates
that majority of parents believe gaming negatively impacts their child’s overall development.
Studies show that students addicted to gaming often become too absorbed in playing,
leaving little time for completing homework, studying or preparing for exams, this lacks
academic engagement. Anderson and Drill (2007) further noted that frequent gaming habits
can cause students to skip classes and lose focus on their studies, resulting in reduced academic
achievement.
Figure
Graphical representation of the respondents of 20 participants for item 1
Item 2
The results of item 2 of the survey (Does your child delay homework to continue
gaming) reveals that 65% of respondents reporting ‘yes’. Additionally, 25% of respondents
indicated ‘no’ while 10% of respondents reported ‘maybe’. Research by Lowa State University
reveals that among gamers aged 8 to 18 displayed skipping homework as a direct outcome of
gaming addiction with severe behaviors like deceit and restlessness.
Figure
Graphical representation of the respondents of 20 participants for item 2

Item 3
The results of item 3 of the survey (Does your child become upset or frustrated when
unable to play) reveals that 65% of respondents reporting ‘yes’. Additionally, 25% of
respondents indicated ‘no’ while 10% of respondents reported ‘maybe’. From parental
anecdotes, it’s clear that children can become visibly upset or defensive when their gaming
routine is disrupted – suggesting that emotional impact goes beyond frustration and may be
tied to deeper behavioral challenges.
Figure
Graphical representation of the respondents of 20 participants for item 3
Item 4
The results of item 4 of the survey (Do you think playing video games for long hours
can affects your child’s eyesight) reveals that 90% of respondents reporting ‘yes’. Additionally,
10% of respondents indicated ‘maybe’ while none of the respondents (0%) reported ‘no.’
Researchers showed that playing video games for long hours can strain a child’s eyes,
leading to irritation, dryness and even myopia. Reduced blinking during gaming, poor lighting,
screen glare and improper viewing distance worsen the problem, making prolonged gaming a
serious risk for eye health.
Figure
Graphical representation of the respondents of 20 participants for item 4

Item 5
The results of item 5 of the survey (Does your child skip meal while playing) reveals
that 70% of respondents reporting ‘yes’. Additionally, 20% of respondents indicated ‘no’ while
10% of respondents reported ‘maybe’. According to the journal of Human Nutrition and
Diabetics many teenagers skip meals while playing violent video games as they get deeply
engrossed, ignoring hunger cues. This leas to irregular eating habits, poor nutrition and
negative impact on physical health.
Figure
Graphical representation of the respondents of 20 participants for item 5
Item 6
The results of item 6 of the survey (Do you think the game has caused your child to be
less physically active?) reveals that 70% of respondents reporting ‘yes’. Additionally, 15% of
respondents indicated ‘no’ while 15% of respondents reported ‘maybe’. Peter Grinspoon, a
researcher wrote in his article that reduced physical activity can leads to poor fitness and
increase risk of obesity. Prolonged gaming can also cause musculoskeletal issues like back pain
and gamer’s thumb.
Figure
Graphical representation of the respondents of 20 participants for item 6

Item 7
The results of item 7 of the survey (Does your child ask for money to buy in-game items
or upgrades?) reveals that 70% of respondents reporting ‘yes’. Additionally, 20% of
respondents indicated ‘no’ while 10% of respondents reported ‘maybe’. The results show that
violent video games can lead to teenagers to frequently demand money for purchases like in-
game items or loot boxes, creating financial strain on families and encouraging gambling-like
behavior.
Figure
Graphical representation of the respondents of 20 participants for item 7
Item 8
The results of item 8 of the survey (Does your child show signs of aggression after
playing?) reveals mixed landscape, with 55% of respondents reporting ‘yes’. Additionally,
25% of respondents indicated ‘no’ while 20% of respondents reported ‘maybe’. These games
immerse players in violent scenarios, allowing them to repeatedly practice aggressive behavior,
which reinforces violent thoughts and responses.
Over time, this can lead to increased likelihood of using aggression in real-life
situations, such as resolving conflicts through physical fights, verbal abuse or hostile behavior
towards peers.
Figure
Graphical representation of the respondents of 20 participants for item 8

Item 9
The results of item 9 of the survey (Does your child become socially withdrawn while
playing violent video games?) reveals that 65% of respondents reporting ‘yes’. Additionally,
35% of respondents indicated ‘no’ while none of the respondents (0%) reported ‘maybe’.
Violent video games often reduce empathy, making it harder for them to connect with others
as a result, children feel lonelier and lack social support. Additionally, these games can become
an escape from stress, gradually weakening coping skills and increasing social isolation.
Figure
Graphical representation of the respondents of 20 participants for item 9
Item 10
The results of item 10 of the survey (Does your child interact with strangers while
playing video games?) reveals mixed landscape, with 85% of respondents reporting ‘yes’.
Additionally, 15% of respondents indicated ‘no’ while none of the respondents (0%) reported
‘maybe’. Studies show that many teens interact with strangers while playing games. They may
be targeted by predators through grooming or exploited for personal information and scams.
They can also face cyberbullying and harassment, which harms mental health and may
encourage toxic behavior.
Figure
Graphical representation of the respondents of 20 participants for item 10

Item 11
The results of item 11 of the survey (Do you notice your child being exposed to abusive
language during gaming?) reveals that 85% of respondents reporting ‘yes’. Additionally, 15%
of respondents indicated ‘no’ while 5% of respondents reported ‘maybe’. Research by Kahila
[Link] 2022, suggest that these behaviors, common in competitive gaming, create a hostile
environment that can escalate conflicts and reinforce negative social norms. Exposure to such
linguistic aggression contributes to gamer rage and promotes an unhealthy gaming culture,
negatively affecting a child’s social development and online experience.
Figure
Graphical representation of the respondents of 20 participants for item 11
Item 12
The results of item 12 of the survey (Do you set time limits for these games?) reveals
mixed landscape, with 60% of respondents reporting ‘yes’. Additionally, 40% of respondents
indicated ‘no’ while none of the respondents (0%) reported ‘maybe’. Violent video games
without parental limits affect a child’s ability to make thoughtful decisions and solve real-life
problems. Constant engagement in fast-paced, reward-driven game scenarios may encourage
impulsive thinking and reliance on quick reactions rather than careful planning.
Figure
Graphical representation of the respondents of 20 participants for item 12

Item 13
The results of item 13 of the survey (Does your child stay up late because of playing?)
reveals that 75% of respondents reporting ‘yes’. Additionally, 20% of respondents indicated
‘no’ while 5% of respondents reported ‘maybe’. During the survey, parents reported that their
children delay bedtime and affecting their rest. The excitement and stimulation from the games,
combined with screen exposure, make it harder to fall asleep and reduce overall sleep quality.
Over time, this lack of sleep can negatively impact their mood, concentration and daily
functioning.
Figure
Graphical representation of the respondents of 20 participants for item 13
Item 14
The results of item 14 of the survey (Does your child manages their time effectively
while playing violent video games?) reveals that 35% of respondents reporting ‘no’.
Additionally, 60% of respondents indicated ‘yes’ while 5% of respondents reported ‘maybe’.
It was found that online multiplayer games create social obligations and the high-intensity
graphics, sound, competition can make it hard for children to shift focus to other tasks.
Although some teens still able to balance gaming with their other responsibilities.
Figure
Graphical representation of the respondents of 20 participants for item 14

Item 15
The results of item 15 of the survey (Would you support a complete ban on games with
violent content?) reveals that 85% of respondents reporting ‘yes’. Additionally, 15% of
respondents indicated ‘maybe’ while none of the respondents (0%) reported ‘no’. This indicates
a strong parental concern about the potential negative effects of violent video games on
children.
Figure
Graphical representation of the respondents of 20 participants for item 15