Posted Aug 11, 2008 at 09:16AM by Victor B.
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A recent survey from What They Play, a parental advisory website, revealed that parents seem to be more worried about their children's exposure to videogames than alcohol, pornography, or violence. Furthermore, a second survey by the group showed that parents considered content showing sex and sexuality as more offensive than depictions of violence.Here's an excerpt from the What They Play press release, courtesy of GamePolitics (external link): Nearly 3,000 respondents in two separate What They Play polls concluded that drinking beer and watching pornography were less objectionable activities for children than playing certain video games. Further, viewing violence was more acceptable than seeing content involving sex and sexuality within games. The first survey What They Play took was conducted from April 4-10, 2008, and asked 1,266 participants what they were most offended by in videogames. Here's the breakdown, according to the poll:
More than 1,600 respondents revealed they’re more apprehensive about their child smoking marijuana (49%) and playing the video game Grand Theft Auto (19%), than watching pornography (16%) and drinking beer (14%). While the usual social issues (alcohol, drugs, and porn) are all present in many a parents' list of worries, it seems videogames are slowly emerging as a social issue that many parents fear can be detrimental to their kids. While it's probably a good thing that videogames are becoming more emergent in the social consciousness, the representation of games in the public eye (especially if Rockstar North's GTA is the only game people can remember) leaves much to be desired. Related Articles: |
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40 Comments
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» i hate ignorant idiots
ya thats it. i've nothing more to say.
ya thats it. i've nothing more to say.
» ...
These people also vote....explains our nations incompetent leaders too.
These people also vote....explains our nations incompetent leaders too.
» Hmm...
I have to wonder how scientific and accurate this round of surveys are.
Was the sample size good enough? Was the sample group diverse enough? Were the questions appropriately worded? Were there even questions about the supposed factors of exposure to drinking, pornography, and violence or was it just about these activities in video games?
Always question the results.
I have to wonder how scientific and accurate this round of surveys are.
Was the sample size good enough? Was the sample group diverse enough? Were the questions appropriately worded? Were there even questions about the supposed factors of exposure to drinking, pornography, and violence or was it just about these activities in video games?
Always question the results.
» @ Xastabus
I doubt it was diverse at all. This is coming from a site called "What they play" so I'm willing to bet only regulars to that site were actually surveyed. So the whole thing was probably biased from the beginning.
I doubt it was diverse at all. This is coming from a site called "What they play" so I'm willing to bet only regulars to that site were actually surveyed. So the whole thing was probably biased from the beginning.
» ~~
Yeah, and videogames are the one thing parents can remotely control by, lets say.. NOT BUYING THEM THOSE GAMES or not letting them play them..
parents, get more involved with your children, for gods sake..
Yeah, and videogames are the one thing parents can remotely control by, lets say.. NOT BUYING THEM THOSE GAMES or not letting them play them..
parents, get more involved with your children, for gods sake..
» Well look on the bright side...
Well look on the bright side. Parent's rather have their kids play games with all the blood of a graphically severed head than to see 2 guys kissing, but wait, 2 girls is ok? Anyhow, as long as we don't have that or straight sex, then games can have all the blood we want? I'm for that. We can get our porn elsewhere, like Google.
Well look on the bright side. Parent's rather have their kids play games with all the blood of a graphically severed head than to see 2 guys kissing, but wait, 2 girls is ok? Anyhow, as long as we don't have that or straight sex, then games can have all the blood we want? I'm for that. We can get our porn elsewhere, like Google.
» ...
not surprising coming from an organization called What They Play.
not surprising coming from an organization called What They Play.
» I wonder...
if Jack Thomson is on the board.
if Jack Thomson is on the board.
» Angry soccer moms!
They should stop using the TV and Video games as babysitters and actually spend time with there kids. This would solve a lot of problems but then again people are lazy.
They should stop using the TV and Video games as babysitters and actually spend time with there kids. This would solve a lot of problems but then again people are lazy.
» Crazy....
Damn, my parents dont care what crap i play, they know that the real world is far more violent than games. I came out ok, im sure as everyone of you guys too.
Damn, my parents dont care what crap i play, they know that the real world is far more violent than games. I came out ok, im sure as everyone of you guys too.
» Yup
same way as my parents and turn out fine.
hey I not in jail yet. LOL
same way as my parents and turn out fine.
hey I not in jail yet. LOL
» Dito...
My parents were much more concerned about the possibility that I might start smoking or doing drugs.
I'm really surprised that playing GTA got more parental apprehensive responses than children drinking beer and watching porn. That's kinda funny in a twisted way. I think I saw a comic about it somewhere. Perhaps at My Extra Life.
My parents were much more concerned about the possibility that I might start smoking or doing drugs.
I'm really surprised that playing GTA got more parental apprehensive responses than children drinking beer and watching porn. That's kinda funny in a twisted way. I think I saw a comic about it somewhere. Perhaps at My Extra Life.
» mmm
shows just how sad society has become
shows just how sad society has become
» Contractive?
Is it just me or are these surveys contradicting each other here? First off, they are more worried about playing games such as Grand Theif Auto (presumably because of the violence), over watching porn, then on the other hand they are saying that virtual porn is worse than violence...
Maybe I'm missing something, but to me it seems just another pop at games and gamers, I know for a fact my mum would be more worried if I was getting drunk and into fights on a regular basis, but back when I played games she wasn't really bothered, and I played some of the more violent games of the time (PS1 and PS2 era, I stopped playing recently).
Heres some food for thought though, while kids are playing games, and not roaming the streets, parents know where they are, surely that should mean more than having a kid who is game free? And as said many times before, if someone goes out and kills because of a game (Thailand fresh in our minds) then there must be something wrong with that person in the first place, its not games faults that some people are messed up and broken.
Is it just me or are these surveys contradicting each other here? First off, they are more worried about playing games such as Grand Theif Auto (presumably because of the violence), over watching porn, then on the other hand they are saying that virtual porn is worse than violence...
Maybe I'm missing something, but to me it seems just another pop at games and gamers, I know for a fact my mum would be more worried if I was getting drunk and into fights on a regular basis, but back when I played games she wasn't really bothered, and I played some of the more violent games of the time (PS1 and PS2 era, I stopped playing recently).
Heres some food for thought though, while kids are playing games, and not roaming the streets, parents know where they are, surely that should mean more than having a kid who is game free? And as said many times before, if someone goes out and kills because of a game (Thailand fresh in our minds) then there must be something wrong with that person in the first place, its not games faults that some people are messed up and broken.
» I was wondering the same thing!
If the parents aren't worried about their kids seeing violence, what exactly IS it about the video games that they're worried about? Are they worried that their kids are sitting too close to the TV? LOL!
If the parents aren't worried about their kids seeing violence, what exactly IS it about the video games that they're worried about? Are they worried that their kids are sitting too close to the TV? LOL!
» WTF!?!?!?!?!
Wow! Who comes up with this crap?
Parents are concerned with video games BECAUSE OF the exposure to alcohol, porn and violence INSIDE the videogame. NOT instead of....
Idiots!
Wow! Who comes up with this crap?
Parents are concerned with video games BECAUSE OF the exposure to alcohol, porn and violence INSIDE the videogame. NOT instead of....
Idiots!
» Answer
The Media. They don't have no life's at all so they trying to ruined everybody's.
The Media. They don't have no life's at all so they trying to ruined everybody's.
» lawl!
how about the exposure to all the drugs sex and violence in the real world, in reality. . . what do you expect a kid to do? nothing? nothing all freakin day. . . you didnt want a kid you wanted a vegetable. freakin cabbage patch doll or something.
the reason parents are worried about these things in video games is because they might have to get off the couch for 15 seconds to read the box the game comes in, thats what theyre worried about.
how about the exposure to all the drugs sex and violence in the real world, in reality. . . what do you expect a kid to do? nothing? nothing all freakin day. . . you didnt want a kid you wanted a vegetable. freakin cabbage patch doll or something.
the reason parents are worried about these things in video games is because they might have to get off the couch for 15 seconds to read the box the game comes in, thats what theyre worried about.
» mhm
I 100% Agree with you.
Kid needs to explore some how.
I 100% Agree with you.
Kid needs to explore some how.
» WTF!?!?!?!?!
I'm not worried about the real world. That can be controlled as well.
I was in a Togos a couple years back with my daughter. All of a sudden I heard Korn over the speakers inside the store. I didn't think much of it since those speakers did nothing to properly reproduce the sound from the song. But then Eminem came on.
We left, I called the corporate office and demanded to get in contact with the district manager equivalent for Togos. There wasn't one but I got a hold of a PR guy. I asked him if Togos was going to be the first instance of my daughter (4yo) hearing an entire string of fowl language why should I ever return their again and NOT call my local TV channel about the incident? He apologized up one side and down the other. They are only allowed to play authorized music. I got a $100 voucher good at any store. I think that was a bribe or maybe I blackmailed him? Either way I was happy!
That's how a NON LAZY parents controls the real world. Sadly too many peopel are too lazy to take control.
I'm not worried about the real world. That can be controlled as well.
I was in a Togos a couple years back with my daughter. All of a sudden I heard Korn over the speakers inside the store. I didn't think much of it since those speakers did nothing to properly reproduce the sound from the song. But then Eminem came on.
We left, I called the corporate office and demanded to get in contact with the district manager equivalent for Togos. There wasn't one but I got a hold of a PR guy. I asked him if Togos was going to be the first instance of my daughter (4yo) hearing an entire string of fowl language why should I ever return their again and NOT call my local TV channel about the incident? He apologized up one side and down the other. They are only allowed to play authorized music. I got a $100 voucher good at any store. I think that was a bribe or maybe I blackmailed him? Either way I was happy!
That's how a NON LAZY parents controls the real world. Sadly too many peopel are too lazy to take control.
» Stick it to em...
Way to go ISOHaven. More people should complain about stuff like that.
Way to go ISOHaven. More people should complain about stuff like that.
» Wait...
I don't need to read the article to know what's going on here. So parents are just saying that a game is worse than being stabbed? A game is worse than being molested? A game is worse than being KILLED? Get a life. You parents need to know what video games are. Don't take advice from a next-door neighbor who knows nothing. If they say "video games will put your son in a mental hospital", don't listen. Some video games (note: SOME) have material your 10-year-old son shouldn't know about. Then it's YOUR responsibility to oversee what your children are playing. If they're around 16, don't force them to play games rated Everyone. Spend some time with your children to see what games they're playing and what's appropriate. Don't believe the lies people are feeding you about video games.
I don't need to read the article to know what's going on here. So parents are just saying that a game is worse than being stabbed? A game is worse than being molested? A game is worse than being KILLED? Get a life. You parents need to know what video games are. Don't take advice from a next-door neighbor who knows nothing. If they say "video games will put your son in a mental hospital", don't listen. Some video games (note: SOME) have material your 10-year-old son shouldn't know about. Then it's YOUR responsibility to oversee what your children are playing. If they're around 16, don't force them to play games rated Everyone. Spend some time with your children to see what games they're playing and what's appropriate. Don't believe the lies people are feeding you about video games.
» Honestly...
If adults would educate themselves on video games and take initiative in raising their children there would be no issue. I mean no government regulations or restrictions will ever make up for ***** parenting.
If adults would educate themselves on video games and take initiative in raising their children there would be no issue. I mean no government regulations or restrictions will ever make up for ***** parenting.
» ...
Gamer adults are aware of these issues. It's the non-gamers who I believe aren't paying enough attention. It's the non-gamer and lazy parents who blame their psychotic child's actions on GTA instead of their lack of parenting or even abusive environment.
Gamer adults are aware of these issues. It's the non-gamers who I believe aren't paying enough attention. It's the non-gamer and lazy parents who blame their psychotic child's actions on GTA instead of their lack of parenting or even abusive environment.
» wait a second wait a second. . .
a previous poster came CLOSE to mentioning, but did not, this startling bit of inferred information. . . .
parents are more apprehensive about video games than they are about pornography. the study shows that.
the study ALSO finds that parents are more concerned about the sexuality in video games than they are about the violence. do you see any crossed wires?
the message here is simple. . *****ed up, but simple.
parents dislike virtual sex more than the real thing.
they would rather their children watch john holmes and ron jeremy plowing jenna jameson or linda lovelace, than see kratos givin it proper to two digital chickenheads. you go figure.
a previous poster came CLOSE to mentioning, but did not, this startling bit of inferred information. . . .
parents are more apprehensive about video games than they are about pornography. the study shows that.
the study ALSO finds that parents are more concerned about the sexuality in video games than they are about the violence. do you see any crossed wires?
the message here is simple. . *****ed up, but simple.
parents dislike virtual sex more than the real thing.
they would rather their children watch john holmes and ron jeremy plowing jenna jameson or linda lovelace, than see kratos givin it proper to two digital chickenheads. you go figure.
» ALMOST makes sense
I've got to agree with you, but just barely. It's one thing to watch sex, but it's quite another to participate in it. With virtual sex, the watcher is also "participating."
I've got to agree with you, but just barely. It's one thing to watch sex, but it's quite another to participate in it. With virtual sex, the watcher is also "participating."
» Ratings Lock
I don't know about you but both my PS3 and PSP have Parental Settings which allow for a certain level of content to be played at before I have to enter a password. I have had to use this setting on my younger brothers 40gb PS3, the highest rating he could play up to was level 6. Level 6 is similar to ESRB's rating "Teen." All of my M rated games are level 9, so he can't play them on his PS3. My Nintendo Wii has these settings as well but I have never played around with them, because besides Manhunt 2, Nintendo is geared towards "Teen" and lower ratings which I don't have a problem with. I'm not completely sure if the Xbox 360 does or not, as I have only played Halo 3 down in the gaming room at my community college.
I don't know about you but both my PS3 and PSP have Parental Settings which allow for a certain level of content to be played at before I have to enter a password. I have had to use this setting on my younger brothers 40gb PS3, the highest rating he could play up to was level 6. Level 6 is similar to ESRB's rating "Teen." All of my M rated games are level 9, so he can't play them on his PS3. My Nintendo Wii has these settings as well but I have never played around with them, because besides Manhunt 2, Nintendo is geared towards "Teen" and lower ratings which I don't have a problem with. I'm not completely sure if the Xbox 360 does or not, as I have only played Halo 3 down in the gaming room at my community college.
» .
Yes xbox 360 has Parental Settings last Fall update.
This survey is a epic fail. Let the Rating and The Parental Control do the work for you (parents) and stop worrying about how your kids will grow up. It's Life and they gotta learn one way or another.
Yes xbox 360 has Parental Settings last Fall update.
This survey is a epic fail. Let the Rating and The Parental Control do the work for you (parents) and stop worrying about how your kids will grow up. It's Life and they gotta learn one way or another.
» For what it's worth..
I am far more concerned with my kids smoking crack, getting drunk, and banging prostitutes than I am with them playing "me and my katamari", or even something as "bad" as GTA.
I am far more concerned with my kids smoking crack, getting drunk, and banging prostitutes than I am with them playing "me and my katamari", or even something as "bad" as GTA.
» ...
This is fscking stupid. What kind of messed-up society is this where people think that video games are worse than hard drugs and real-life violence?
This is fscking stupid. What kind of messed-up society is this where people think that video games are worse than hard drugs and real-life violence?
» ...
Like freak, I'd much rather have my kids running over prostitutes in a game than in real life, as in a game, no one actually gets hurt.
Like freak, I'd much rather have my kids running over prostitutes in a game than in real life, as in a game, no one actually gets hurt.
» Comedy Gold
Weed won but what about Meth, heroin. People crazy. And you notice GTA got 16%, not all video games just GTA. It makes me think that Mortal Combat is on the list wit like 2%.
Weed won but what about Meth, heroin. People crazy. And you notice GTA got 16%, not all video games just GTA. It makes me think that Mortal Combat is on the list wit like 2%.
» wow
There are more people offended by human beings doing what they are made to do then violence? Wow, there are idiots in this world, thats for sure.
There are more people offended by human beings doing what they are made to do then violence? Wow, there are idiots in this world, thats for sure.
» jeez...
man i hate pure ignorance like this...i dont understand why people will complain about video games influencing their children badly...but are perfectly ok with sending them to drug and violence filled schools...its retarded because these things have always been around and you are way more likely to do them because of other people...not video games...people didnt start having sex and killing people because video games...but people always have to have something to blame for why these things happen...its bad but if you look at it like that video games are this generations rap music...
man i hate pure ignorance like this...i dont understand why people will complain about video games influencing their children badly...but are perfectly ok with sending them to drug and violence filled schools...its retarded because these things have always been around and you are way more likely to do them because of other people...not video games...people didnt start having sex and killing people because video games...but people always have to have something to blame for why these things happen...its bad but if you look at it like that video games are this generations rap music...
» Typical...
Idiotic parents blame anything other than their perfect, angelic child over their delinquency or the like to escape from the label of 'bad parent'.
I'm reminded of an article I read a while back, where a newspaper had the headline: 'Nintendo Killed My Son!'
Apparently, some child was running about looking for coins, and ended up getting killed; I can't remember if they fell down the stairs or something or if he got run over by a car.
Either way the mother put Nintendo at fault, rather than her own bad parenting, which is misguided and immoral.
Idiotic parents blame anything other than their perfect, angelic child over their delinquency or the like to escape from the label of 'bad parent'.
I'm reminded of an article I read a while back, where a newspaper had the headline: 'Nintendo Killed My Son!'
Apparently, some child was running about looking for coins, and ended up getting killed; I can't remember if they fell down the stairs or something or if he got run over by a car.
Either way the mother put Nintendo at fault, rather than her own bad parenting, which is misguided and immoral.
» Scapegoats
I agree, parents are looking for simple scapegoats, rather than look at themselves and think "I did wrong by my child, I should have paid more attention to them" they say "Ah to hell with this, I'm not taking the blame".
Its not just parents though, notice how everyone wants a scapegoat, the government at the moment is blaming games for a lot of things because its easier than actuallying trying to find and sort the real problems.
I think an awful lot of people need to stand up and act responsible for their actions. I was brought up to be responsible for what I did, and not to push the blame on to others, all something coming from good parenting and not lazy parents who want an easy life.
Out of interest and humor I found this which I found rather ammusing, and I have to agree, what would the media do? http://www.cad-comic.com/sillies.php?d+20080804
I agree, parents are looking for simple scapegoats, rather than look at themselves and think "I did wrong by my child, I should have paid more attention to them" they say "Ah to hell with this, I'm not taking the blame".
Its not just parents though, notice how everyone wants a scapegoat, the government at the moment is blaming games for a lot of things because its easier than actuallying trying to find and sort the real problems.
I think an awful lot of people need to stand up and act responsible for their actions. I was brought up to be responsible for what I did, and not to push the blame on to others, all something coming from good parenting and not lazy parents who want an easy life.
Out of interest and humor I found this which I found rather ammusing, and I have to agree, what would the media do? http://www.cad-comic.com/sillies.php?d+20080804
» I've said it before....
On other forums I have commented on this idiotic behavior by parental groups and still nothing changes.
In trying to stay REALLY brief, I will state again; given my own, personal, research and peer reviewed documents, I have proven by irrefutable proof that there is absolutely NO CORRELATION between violent/sexual increases of behavior after having been exposed to any such acts via tv/movies/video games.
If all the doubting parents and worry prudes want my conclusive evidence, you bastards can find me.
It is the REALITY BASED exposure to violence/sex that causes our young to turn into the monsters that the media blows out of proportion. Not that the acts are heinous enough, but to point the blame at something other than yourself... Well, it just doesn't take a Freudian expert to figure out the real truth.
The family home should be sanctioned more than entertainment by current statistical points. Sadly, there is something to be said for sending a 12 year old out to work for his/her living if they refuse to take education seriously. You only have to look back into our US history about
On other forums I have commented on this idiotic behavior by parental groups and still nothing changes.
In trying to stay REALLY brief, I will state again; given my own, personal, research and peer reviewed documents, I have proven by irrefutable proof that there is absolutely NO CORRELATION between violent/sexual increases of behavior after having been exposed to any such acts via tv/movies/video games.
If all the doubting parents and worry prudes want my conclusive evidence, you bastards can find me.
It is the REALITY BASED exposure to violence/sex that causes our young to turn into the monsters that the media blows out of proportion. Not that the acts are heinous enough, but to point the blame at something other than yourself... Well, it just doesn't take a Freudian expert to figure out the real truth.
The family home should be sanctioned more than entertainment by current statistical points. Sadly, there is something to be said for sending a 12 year old out to work for his/her living if they refuse to take education seriously. You only have to look back into our US history about
» continued...
» you know cause
playing pac-man is worse then a kid drinking alcohol, watchin porn, and beatin up people.
playing pac-man is worse then a kid drinking alcohol, watchin porn, and beatin up people.
» ...
Ya, might make the kids wanna swallow big balls and chase flashing blue guys. I'm sure it will be rated AO by the ESRB (Extremely Stupid Retards Board).
Ya, might make the kids wanna swallow big balls and chase flashing blue guys. I'm sure it will be rated AO by the ESRB (Extremely Stupid Retards Board).
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