Keep Alive: Exploring the Impact of Gaming and Parenting on School Shootings
By William Lee
Today, we're going to tackle a topic that has been making headlines far too often: school shootings. It's a heartbreaking reality that innocent children are being gunned down by mentally deranged individuals who should never have had access to guns. While I don't believe that online games are the sole cause of these tragedies, it's worth examining the influence they may have on the minds of young gamers. Let's take a moment to consider what goes through the mind of an average gamer who spends hours immersed in a world of violence and destruction.
"Do you think that in the younger generation of children, especially the ones that are in mid-school... spending hours and hours playing games and shooting things and blowing things up? That when they go to school and for some reason, maybe bullying starts happening, or maybe they just get a sense of negativity that's around them, that nobody cares what's going to happen... the individuals that are causing this ruckus in the schools, the juveniles that are big tough guys, what's happening to the regular student whose mind all of a sudden slips back into the world of dragons killing and violence?" - William Lee
It's a valid question to ask whether exposure to violent games could potentially contribute to a child's descent into violence. When children spend countless hours in virtual worlds where they are the heroes, wielding weapons and engaging in combat, it's not unreasonable to wonder if this could impact their perception of reality. While gaming alone cannot be blamed for school shootings, it may play a role in exacerbating existing mental health issues or desensitizing children to violence.
However, it's crucial to recognize that the responsibility ultimately lies with parents and the education system. We cannot solely rely on blaming video games or other external factors. Parenting plays a pivotal role in shaping a child's values, behavior, and emotional well-being.
"Let's bring the kids back home and put them back in the family. Let's tell the schools enough of this telling our kids what sexuality they have. Let's bring them back to school in a safe environment of learning... Parenting has to come back... This is totally wrong. Now add that to the factor that teachers have a hard enough time disciplining and keeping some kids from tearing the classroom down, from torturing the teachers, throwing chalk or books at the teachers, or throwing temper tantrums... It is children not being parented by parents." - William Lee
Parenting is the key to addressing the underlying issues that contribute to school shootings. When parents are actively involved in their children's lives, providing guidance, setting boundaries, and fostering open communication, it creates a strong foundation for emotional well-being. Parents must be vigilant in monitoring their children's online activities, engaging in conversations about the games they play, and ensuring they have a healthy balance between virtual and real-world experiences.
However, it's not just the responsibility of parents. The education system also plays a crucial role in creating a safe and nurturing environment for students. Teachers are often on the front lines, dealing with the consequences of a lack of parenting and the negative effects it has on children's behavior.
"There are so many wonderful, dedicated teachers who right now have their hands tied behind their backs because of pronouns... Nor does she have time in either case for them to mature, to make decisions. This is totally wrong... How can kids learn in an unsafe atmosphere, an environment that is prone to represent the possibility that, Johnny, you may not come home tonight because Joey may get mad and Alice join him and they've got guns?" - William Lee
Teachers need support from both parents and the education system to effectively address the challenges they face in the classroom. The focus should be on creating a safe and inclusive learning environment, rather than burdening teachers with unnecessary distractions. By removing the emphasis on pronouns and other non-essential issues, teachers can focus on their primary role of educating and guiding students.
The issue of school shootings cannot be solved by simply increasing security measures or placing armed police officers in schools. While safety measures are important, they only address the symptoms of a much deeper problem. We must address the root causes, which lie in the breakdown of parenting and the lack of emotional support for children.
"It's simple. Number one, we take assault weapons that are for military use, and we take them out of the hands of citizens... The ridiculousness of owning a gun that cuts a tree in two and 3 seconds is totally asinine... If you're that bad of a shot, you shouldn't be shooting at all, period." - William Lee
Addressing the issue of gun control is also crucial in preventing school shootings. While I am a gun advocate, I believe that certain weapons, such as those designed for military use, should not be accessible to civilians. Limiting the firepower available to individuals can help reduce the potential for mass casualties in the event of an attack.
In conclusion, the issue of school shootings requires a multi-faceted approach. We must address the influence of violent games on young minds, but we cannot solely blame gaming for these tragedies. Parenting and the education system must take responsibility for creating a safe and nurturing environment for children. By actively engaging in their children's lives, monitoring their online activities, and fostering open communication, parents can play a crucial role in preventing violence. Additionally, the education system must prioritize safety and learning, rather than getting caught up in non-essential issues. Finally, addressing gun control is essential in reducing the potential for mass casualties in the event of an attack. By tackling these issues head-on, we can work towards a safer future for our children and our communities.
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