The habit of millions of Filipinos of playing violent video games online could have long-term consequences for their mental health, especially that of young people. Some experts say it is very likely that such games can cause emotional and psychological problems, while others disagree, claiming there are no negative effects. But research from the American Psychological Association shows that long-term exposure to violent video games can desensitize players, especially minors. They can lose their capacity for empathy and become disconnected from their families and friends.
Minors who play high-risk, mature games online have been found to be depressed, unable to sleep well, and earn lower grades in school. They can be prone to aggression and bullying, among other negative effects. The young suspects in the deadly Tacloban school shooting on June 22 were addicted to playing the shockingly violent GoreBox video game. Others like it include Call of Duty and Free Fire. This writer tried playing Call of Duty and found that the “duty” involved shooting and stabbing other players to death. It was a traumatic experience, even though it was only a virtual game.
All these and more tell us that games in which players shoot or stab people to death do not offer healthy experiences for anyone, especially children, and may contribute to mental health problems. The true “call to duty” for all adults, especially parents, is to protect children from all possible harm and promote well-being, kindness, respect for life, care and understanding for the vulnerable, and compassion and love for others. These are basic Gospel values taught by Jesus of Nazareth. To be a true Christian is to embrace love of neighbor and reject violence of all kinds, including violence portrayed in video games.
There are many alternatives to such games: positive, value-enhancing, character-building video games that teach generosity, kindness, and care for others. These games are good for both adults and children, including Until Then, Ugaling Pinoy, Alba: A Wildlife Adventure, Sky: Children of Light, and Undertale.
A recent Senate inquiry recommended that GoreBox be blocked temporarily and issued warnings to platforms such as Roblox over child-grooming risks. Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the real enemy was adult groomers and extremist rings, such as the global 764 Network, that “target, brainwash, and radicalize vulnerable children into committing real-world acts of violent extremism.” Access to these online video games and websites is provided by internet service providers (ISPs).
Systemic failures
Some commentators, cybersecurity experts, and lawmakers point to deep-seated systemic failures among telecommunications companies (telcos), such as PLDT Inc., Globe Telecom, and DITO Telecommunity, and their associated ISPs. They say these companies allow the proliferation of violent video games and the online abuse and exploitation of children through their servers without fully complying with the law.
They also argue that officials of the National Telecommunications Commission, led by Ella Blanca B. Lopez, have failed to monitor and enforce laws designed to restrict the spread of harmful material affecting children. They should block violent and gory video games such as GoreBox and others that depict murder and dismemberment. Together with the telcos, they have allegedly failed to prevent the spread of child sexual abuse videos and photos and the livestreaming of child abuse.
We are all captives of the telcos and their ISPs. They have failed to implement Section 9 of Republic Act No. 11930, which requires them to install robust, state-of-the-art technology, programs, or software to filter and block access to child sexual abuse or exploitation materials.
What does the nation want its children to experience when they play video games? It is far better to nurture children’s minds and hearts by promoting positive, value-forming games that offer hope, inspiration, and knowledge; build self-confidence; and cultivate virtues and values while remaining engaging and fun.
Playing violent video games has also offered some children a virtual escape from childhood abuse and bullying. A United Nations Children’s Fund report says children in the Philippines continue to experience alarmingly high levels of violence, abuse, and exploitation, all of which are amplified by online platforms. The Philippine Social Science Council has cited recent data showing systemic violations of children’s rights at home, including violent discipline and sexual abuse. Online bullying, cyberviolence, and even child labor remain deeply entrenched. All these issues require urgent attention.
Common sense suggests that constantly shooting and stabbing people to death online can have negative emotional and psychological effects on both adults and children. While experts emphasize that playing violent video games does not automatically cause a child to become a killer, social media and gaming algorithms have been widely blamed for encouraging gang violence and other forms of aggression. These algorithms repeatedly serve graphic and violent content to minors, desensitizing them and normalizing violence.
It should not surprise us that there are so many school shootings in the United States. Research cited by Harvard Health and the National Center for Health Research identifies violent video games as a risk factor for aggression. It suggests that playing such games can increase aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while decreasing empathy. At the same time, other studies conclude that severe real-world violence is driven primarily by factors such as family history, genetic predisposition, mental illness, abusive environments, peer delinquency, and access to weapons. According to those studies, video games are not the primary catalyst for criminal actions.
Children become involved in criminal activity largely because of neglect, cruelty, hunger, bullying, and physical and sexual abuse by adults. They are children with urgent needs. Criminalizing children by lowering the age of criminal responsibility is not the solution. They need help, not punishment and more cruelty. Acceptance, positive reinforcement, support, understanding, education, therapy, and moral values taught by caring adults can help them grow and change.
This writer has witnessed hundreds of young people in conflict with the law begin new lives through the work of the Preda Foundation, from its establishment in 1974 to the present.
What does the nation want its children to experience virtually: violent and gory games, or inspiring, educational, value-forming, and character-building games? That decision ultimately rests with the government, as well as with every parent and every child.
Note: Any original information, stories, or news articles posted on this site that are authored by the Preda Foundation and Father Shay Cullen may be shared, copied, or reproduced without further permission, in support of truth, freedom of expression, and the public’s right to know.
LiCAS News was granted permission to republish and adapt this article by Father Shay Cullen in the spirit of truth-telling and the pursuit of justice.
Irish missionary Father Shay Cullen, SSC, founded the Preda Foundation in Olongapo City in 1974 to promote human rights and the rights of children, especially victims of sexual abuse.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of LiCAS News.
