LOOK OUT, WESTCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL

Are video games dangerous? Why not ask the teens? By Deborah Lee

(Photo: Colourbox)

T he media, parents, teachers, members of the

scientific community and even religious
Patrick’s favorite game, World of Warcraft,
lights up one of his two computer screens on
organisations – all have expressed concerns his desk.
about the possible effects video games can have
on children and teenagers. Spending 2 to 5 hours a day on something
you love may not seem much. However,
In recent decades, video games have played an considering the time school takes, it does
increasing role in the lives of young people. not leave much time for anything else, not
Some play, some observe, and then there are even sports.
those who immmerse themselves into the game.
So is it possible to distinguish between a safe “Well, I guess you could say that 2 to 5 hours
and a dangerous way to play? Are gaming is a lot of time. I’m not a very sporty-
teens neglecting the real world in favor of a kinda person. I really don’t like physical
virtual one? We have spoken with two teens, kinds of sports, like baseball or football, and
Patrick and Rose, who play on a regular basis I’m not particularly good at it either.
and will help to shed some light on the issue.

WHEN IS ENOUGH ENOUGH? "I'M GOOD AT PLAYING

COMPUTER GAMES, AND I
To 15-year-old Patrick playing video games on a WANT TO IMROVE MY
daily basis is a normal thing, and he does not SKILLS. I'M ONE OF THE BEST
want to do without: “Playing video games means
a lot to me. I love it and play somewhere IN THE COMMUNITIES."
between 2 and 5 hours on weekdays, whereas
on weekends, I can easily play for 8 to 9.”

immerse engagge, get lost in neglecting ignoring

distinguish tell the difference in favor of instead of

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On the other hand, I’m very good at Madden, LOSING YOURSELF
which is an official NLF game, so I guess I do As the father of junior Damon Steward
sports to some extent,” Patrick argues and and freshman Isabel Steward, who both play
continues: “I’m good at playing computer video games for 1-2 hours a day, Bill Steward
games, and I want to improve my skills. I'm argues that kids have a tendency to lose
one of the best in the communities.” themselves entirely in the virtual world and lose
contact with the real world.
LIKE PLAYING A PART
“My children are completely absorbed in the
A couple of blocks further down the road, 15- games and their virtual world and literally shut
year-old Rose sits in her room and plays her everything else out, not caring whether the sun
favorite video game. On average Rose spends shines or the snow falls. That concerns me a
3 hours a day on playing video games, an great deal. And the types of games they play.
amount of time which is still an issue in her They are so violent.”
family.

“I argue a lot with my parents about this,” says

Rose with a sigh. “They think I spend way too
much time on it. They usually say that it’s a
waste of time, but I disagree. I use my
imagination when I play. Not to mention my
communication skills. There’s no way it’s a
waste of time.”

On the question of whether it is possible

to distinguish between the real and the virtual
world, Rose says: “It’s actually pretty obvious.
Computer games aren’t the real thing, even (Photo: Canva)
though a lot of people seem to think that we
players believe they are. And despite the really Patrick sees it differently: “Well yeah, of course,
great graphics, I have to use my imagination there will always be some people who cannot
and play a role in this universe. And for the control themselves and their lives. And you find
record, I am able to switch back and forth. I some grown-ups having the same problem, just
don’t believe that I’m some great warrior with with other issues. But I don’t think you should
long legs and tremendous skills with a sword. blame the games. It could be anything.”
I’m just Rose, a 15-year-old teenager playing a
part, and it’s great fun. Rose agrees with Patrick and adds:
“For instance, after the Columbine Massacre, a
Actually, it reminds me a bit of reading a novel. lot of people blamed violent computer games
You know, when you let yourself go and totally for the two kids’ behavior, but the truth was that
lose yourself in the character. It’s something they had major mental problems. They would
like that with computer games, just greater.” have had those problems with or without the
video games. Actually, you could say that video
games take some of the tension and anger
"I USE MY IMAGINATION issues away from kids – maybe video games are
WHEN I PLAY... THERE'S NO healthy, ha ha ...”
WAY IT'S A WASTE OF TIME."
Participate in the debate on gaming and teenagers,
and read more articles on the subject in Look Out’s
next issue.
by Lise Andersen-Alstrup (2,7 ns)

communities groups junior third-year student the Columbine Massacre school shooting
for the record for your information freshman first-year student that took place at Columbine High School
switch change absorbed focused on, preoccupied with tension pressure
tremendous great
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engelsk.gyldendal.dk og under forudsætning af, at anvendelsen af indholdet sker på de betingelser, som følger af aftalen med
Copydan Tekst & Node. Print og kopiering skal i givet fald indgå i skolens indrapportering til Copydan Tekst & Node.