“So how can someone say that a child who views numerous acts of violence, either in movies or video games (where they take part in the violence) isn’t at all effected by that violence?”
I don’t think anyone really believes there is no effect, however, there are millions and millions of “test subjects” who have viewed countless such acts of simulated violence, and there are not millions and millions of violent psychopaths. Therefore, whatever effect the depictions have, they do not seem to be churning out murderers.
My ex not only akllowed but rented for her young teenage son,all those “Hellborn Hellraiser” -type movies ,saying he knows they are not real.
That son then insisted on keeping his room darkened with heavy curtains,bought a huge Bowie-type knife and adopted the long dark clothing of the characters.
His mother declared I had no right to tell or discipline HER child by previous marriage.
Son ended up fathering illegimate baby before high school graduation and other problems.
Tell me again such “entertainment” has no effect.
In this case,an overly permissive parent trying to be her childrens’ friend instead of parent was a huge mistake.