Posted on 02/12/2014 8:17:01 AM PST by Phillyred
Llanbradach headteacher’s warning after pupils as young as six act out drug and rape scenes from Grand Theft Auto
A HEADTEACHER has sent a letter to parents after becoming aware of “extremely concerning behaviour” of pupils, some as young as six, which he puts down to a violent video game.
Pupils at Coed-y-Brain Primary School, in Llanbradach, have been, according to head teacher Morian Morgan, “initiating games that involve simulating rape and sexual intercourse” and “having detailed discussion of drug use”.
Staff at the school discovered that the worrying behaviour was a result of children coming into contact with Grand Theft Auto, or GTA, which follows the dark underworld of America’s biggest cities.
Its latest instalment, Grand Theft Auto V, is thought to be one of the best-selling video games of all time, having sold more than 32 million copies worldwide.
It is certified for people over 18.
The letter to parents also said children were “acting out scenes from the game which include the strongest of sexual swear words”, “having conversations” about sexual acts and “play acting extremely violent games that sometimes result in actual injury”.
Mr Morgan said the letter was simply a way of making parents aware of this trend rather than criticising them for the children’s actions.
He said: “I sent out the letter with some trepidation but I’m pleased I sent it because all the comments, as far as I’m aware, have been very supportive.
“Until I went online and checked the content of this game, I thought it was just a bit of swearing and some shooting and I think some of the parents will tell you that they have been equally naive.
“But I must stress it’s not a matter of me condemning parents at all.”
Mr Morgan said staff approached some of the children to ask them where they had seen some of the behaviour.
He added: “We noticed it building up. It used to be when people watched TV programmes – we probably did it ourselves with cowboys and Indians.
“It became more concerning because this newest version (GTA V was released in September last year) seems to be even more shocking than the previous games.
“The youngest child showing this kind of behaviour was a six-year-old but that is unusual. It was very much a minority re-enacting these acts.”
Caerphilly council said it was a matter for the school to deal with internally.
Then they are IDIOTS!!!!
Idiots.
Yep, dumber than a box of rocks.
Annnnd, why exactly are parents allowing kids to play this game???
“Unexepcted”, I’m sure
I can't wait for this response, because I know it's coming.....
"What he mean, it's a minority re-enacting these acts? What minority he talking about? This letter clearly racist and I think this principal should be fired for being racist. I'm calling Al Sharpton."
Coed-y-Brain Primary School???
A six-year old isn’t going to be able to play much on a game like this. I’ve watched kids of all ages play games and most at this age can barely make informed logical decisions that games like this require. Most will get in a car and drive in circles. When they crash, they just keep pressing the gas button and can’t understand why they aren’t moving.
My guess is the child was watching a parent or older sibling playing the game. Young children are mesmerized by the visuals in video games and will watch them intently and remember tons of details. I assume the child (or children) in question are simply repeating what they hear their brother or father doing in the game.
Which brings it back to the main point of stupid and neglectful parents are the ones to blame.
I play this game...
while my kids are sleeping.
“The youngest child showing this kind of behaviour was a six-year-old but that is unusual. It was very much a minority re-enacting these acts.”
“What he mean, it’s a minority re-enacting these acts?”
I THINK what he means is that six year olds were a small minority of those reinacting the acts seen in the game. Apparently teachers in Britain are as illiterate as those in the US.
My guess is the child was watching a parent or older sibling playing the game.
***
Very likely. And I agree with your conclusion.
Lordy! We live in an awful time. Parents are supposed to protect their children from this sort of garbage.
Nothing personal but why do folks who have children play video games?
I see 40 year old men playing video games yukking
Strikes me as juvenile
Yes...I am old fart
Considering the average age of gamers hovers around 30-35 years of age, 40 year old people gaming is not overly surprising.
No, I “get” it, but I know somewhere, there’s someone who won’t get it, and will think there’s something racial about the statement.
A waste of time to me
Sorta immature
If I have that time....u known what I’m doing if femalian is in accord
This is same subset let’s wife drive
To me anyhow
I work...kids...wife...hunt rarely
Family trips
Freeper usually odd hours
And always on droid
I will say my kids were playing too much so I banned them for a while
But I never saw them act out anymore than the shootouts
And they program for non hip hop so they get a lot of good music reference from Merle to sabbath
Who said a man must leave behind childish games
Corinthians or Ecclesiastes?
>Strikes me as juvenile
So be it.
I played this game in front of my 65 year old Louis L’Amour reading mother - she couldn’t believe it. It’s more beautiful than the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw1anltIj_A
but...but we were told that video games do not modify behavior, music for that matter...
The rot is deep, and wide, apparently.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.