GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 73
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some parents are worried about the increasing level of violence on TV, videos games and other types of entertainment for children’s leisure.
How does this affect children?
How do you think this problem can be tackled?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer:
Violence – it is literally prevalent everywhere, in TV, video games, cartoons, movies, on the news and even in ads. It is becoming difficult to avert our eyes from violence. Of-late, with 24/7 media access, and the explosion of digital technology, the confusion, more than ever before, is what the impacts of such violence on our children and how to curb the issue.
With heavy exposure to violent TV programmes, children become desensitized to violence. Children tend to imitate what is on TV. Not only are they emulating, but when children watch it to a great deal that becomes their reality. Therefore, all of a sudden their world becomes a world that is much more violent. On top of that, video games are far more dangerous. Since children are active players in them, they drive the narratives and can make decisions and choices that will then change the directions of what is going on. This is essentially a virtual reality that they are immersed in. If a child is in a game where he is approaching a violent world and his job is to kill the enemies before they kill him, he will, consequently, be influenced by brutality and mix it up with the real-world. Recent shooting events by school children are examples of such mix-up of reality with the virtual world.
However, paediatricians suggest some solutions to curb the issue. First and foremost, parents should research TV shows, video games or cartoons before their children watch, play, and interact with them so that the children refrain from watching violence. For example, parents should select TV shows, cartoons or video games that include appropriate themes, stories of empowerment, and virtuous beliefs. Secondly, parents can engage their children in community service. For instance, helping the older adults is a great thing to commence, which in turn will develop a feeling of empathy for members of the community.
In conclusion, children may become violent or aggressive by watching violent contents and programmes. However, age-appropriate programmes and games coupled with community service and guidance of parents can combat the issue.