Child Obesity Violence and Video Games
GentryC_M3_A2.doc. September 26, 2012
Thesis statement : Today most children are more into video technology and violence than they are into normal outside physical activity which is the biggest problem of child obesity.
Video technology has decreased the amount of physical activity in children. Because of my nephew’s interest in video games, he played less outdoors than most children his age. The only physical activity he was really getting was from his gym class in school and that was his least favorite subject. When he was asked to go outside to play with the other kids, it was only for short periods of time. Because of his weight he would get tired quicker and be out of breath, so he would just come back in and play more video games. This seemed to interest him more than getting exercise would. Video technology has increased violence and asocial behavioral patterns in children. Their lack of communication with human beings is obvious to me. Everywhere I go I see children on their gaming machines, telephones and computers rather than hanging out and socializing with their friends. I oftentimes see children yelling and fighting with each other rather than being friendly amongst each other. Research has suggested that exposure to violent video games may increase angry and hostile feelings while children interact with peers, teachers, and adults (Anderson et.al). Violent video games exposure may decrease compassionate feelings for others who they interact with. (Bandura 1977; Berkowitz, 1993)
Constantly playing video games tends to promote laziness and over eating/ snacking which has caused an increase in childhood obesity. Researchers found that children with higher weight status spent more moderate amounts of time playing video games, while children with lower weight status spent either little or no time playing video games. “ Says Elizabeth A Vandewater Ph.d and collegues at University of
Thesis statement : Today most children are more into video technology and violence than they are into normal outside physical activity which is the biggest problem of child obesity.
Video technology has decreased the amount of physical activity in children. Because of my nephew’s interest in video games, he played less outdoors than most children his age. The only physical activity he was really getting was from his gym class in school and that was his least favorite subject. When he was asked to go outside to play with the other kids, it was only for short periods of time. Because of his weight he would get tired quicker and be out of breath, so he would just come back in and play more video games. This seemed to interest him more than getting exercise would. Video technology has increased violence and asocial behavioral patterns in children. Their lack of communication with human beings is obvious to me. Everywhere I go I see children on their gaming machines, telephones and computers rather than hanging out and socializing with their friends. I oftentimes see children yelling and fighting with each other rather than being friendly amongst each other. Research has suggested that exposure to violent video games may increase angry and hostile feelings while children interact with peers, teachers, and adults (Anderson et.al). Violent video games exposure may decrease compassionate feelings for others who they interact with. (Bandura 1977; Berkowitz, 1993)
Constantly playing video games tends to promote laziness and over eating/ snacking which has caused an increase in childhood obesity. Researchers found that children with higher weight status spent more moderate amounts of time playing video games, while children with lower weight status spent either little or no time playing video games. “ Says Elizabeth A Vandewater Ph.d and collegues at University of
References: (Bandura 1977; Berkowitz, 1993) Bandura A. (1977) Social learning theory. Englewood Cliffs N.J. Prentice Hall Berkowitz L. (1993) Aggression ; It’s cause, consequence, Central New York; Mcgraw- Hill Elizabeth A Vandewater Ph.d and collegues at University of Texas in the journal of adolescence:” ( Center of Advancement of health (2004 March 18) Video games, Not T.V. linked to obesity in kids. Science Daily.Retrieved)