Jacksonville, FL — Some people in the video gaming community are at a lost for words after the two-day Madden ’19 tournament came to an end in Jacksonville when a gunman opened fire, shooting 12 people and killing two.
The shooting has reignited gun control debates on Capitol Hill and has caused some adults to point the finger at video games and the impact it has on today’s youth. Doctor Tracey Alloway, a psychology professor at the University of North Florida and an author is offering advice to parents following the tragic event.
"The first is to limit their exposure."
Dr. Alloway says if a child was watching the live-stream of the event or watched it later online, try to limit that exposure. She says the reason behind that is to reduce chronic stress. Dr. Alloway also suggests reframing the conversation when speaking to a child about the shooting and shift the focus.
"Think about who are the heroes of this story, who helped save the day, and also help them to be proactive."
Dr. Alloway says parents do not want their kids to have a sense of learned helplessness which is why she is advising parents to encourage their kids to reach out and do something for the gaming community if they are involved.
Dr. Alloway also revisited the announcement by the World Health Organization classifying video game addiction as a mental health condition. She says there are many researchers, scientists, and psychology who are concerned that this is an effort to pathologize something that is a hobby.
"There is a lot of studies to show that gaming has a very cooperative aspect, it can induce empathy and it can build ways we work together as a team. There is lots of research emphasizing the positive aspects of gaming."
Dr. Alloway acknowledges researchers are aware of the different types of game people engage in. She says research shows that games are more competitive tend to induce aggressive behaviors.
"If you're a parent, be mindful of the kinds of games that your child is playing. If they are a gamer, help them to seek a game that is cooperative that they can play in a more social aspect."
When it comes to whether a non-violent game, Dr. Alloway says it is possible for a player to have a violent reaction to it. She says there a term called “goal-blocking,” used in the community. She says some players will grow frustrated or even aggressive if they feel like their goal is being blocked.
If parents are questioning if video games are safe for their child to play, Dr. Alloway encourages parents to monitor their child’s behavior. She wants them to look out for how they interact with the game if the child becomes uninterested in their social or personal life, and the type of game the child is engaging in.