Today, the California Supreme Court is deciding if banning violent video games violates the First Amendment — in particular, the right to free speech. It’s the case of the Governator vs. the gamers.
It’s a parent’s right to shield their children from violent and harmful things. They can and should exercise discretion with regard to what their kids are exposed to. The question is whether or not it’s the government’s (in this case, the State of California’s) right to decide what video games should be banned.
Initial reports say that the judges are skeptical of the state’s anti-gaming argument. Where do you draw the line? Will the Three Little Pigs be banned next? One of the conservative judges, Antonin Scalia, said, “You are asking us to create a whole new prohibition … what’s next after violence? Drinking? Movies that show drinking? Smoking?”
Supporters of the video game makers say that these games are a valid form of self-expression. Numerous studies have proven that there’s no evidence supporting the fact that playing a violent video game will lead kids to be more aggressive. However, it’s clear that being able to burn people to a pile of ashes with gasoline (as players in the popular video game, Postal 2, can) is pretty graphic stuff.
If the state wins, video games will be the sole kind of media in the US that’s been made illegal to sell to minors due to violent content. This ruling would basically confirm unfounded evidence that video games have more profound effects on youngsters than other forms of entertainment like books, movies, comics and TV shows.
Instead of sweating over what video games your kids are playing, we’ve come up with a few suggestions of guaranteed nonviolent activities they can do instead:
Get fit: Instead of fighting samurais on the Wii, get a Wii Fit platform and work it out.
Bike ride, anyone? When’s the last time your kids took their good ol’ two-wheeler out for a spin?
Words with friends: This iPad and iPhone version of Scrabble has become an international phenomenon. It’s educational, competitive and violence-free.
Dinner time: Encourage your wee ones to help you cook your family’s main meal.
The team’s the thing: Enroll your kids in extracurricular activities like sports, dance or scouts.
Hi Granny! Have your kids videoconference some of their favorite family members to say what’s up.
TV education: While watching hours and hours of reality TV isn’t the most productive activity, there are plenty of informational and education TV shows your kids can watch when they need a media fix. Think NatGeo, Animal Planet and the Food Network.
Here are a few more ideas to keep your kids entertained when they are bored and reaching for the remote.
While the verdict is still out in the state’s supreme court, you’re the judge at home.
Photo by Now & Here via Flickr.