By Ahtesham Azhar, via dailytimes.com.pk: Increased aggression and need to control others can be some of the manifestations of playing with pretend guns and other role-playing video games.
A Clinical Psychologist at Aga Khan University Hospital, Dr Nargis Asad said, “Pretend guns and other such toys are leaving a very negative impact on children in our society, who are already surrounded by a lot of violence in the form of bomb blasts, target killings, assassinations, etc.” Citizens of America had a strong movement against toy-arms in 70s but unfortunately in our society, parents are unaware about such activities and its consequences.
“Children also start liking negative characters, and want to ‘play’ terrorist in these games,” Dr Nargis said, adding that such toys increase aggression and desire of controlling others with negative authority. Research proves that children who watch aggressive cartoons also have different behaviour compared to others.
“This activity can lead children to start accepting violence,” Dr Asad said.
Ismailimail 