Statement on Mass Shootings

Read how exposure to violent media content can be linked to rise in mass shootings.

An unanswered question for the 21st century is to what extent does overexposure to violent media content, especially at a young age, have on subsequent acts of violence. With rise in video gaming, prolific research is documenting concomitant rise in violence and aggression. In 2009 the American Academy of Pediatrics profiled extensive studies showing media violence is causally linked to child aggression, desensitization to violence, nightmares, and fear of being harmed. Early exposure to violent media content has been shown to increase risk of violent behavior.

Media imagery affects behavior, a premise effectively used by the advertising industry. Research is now documenting Game Transfer Phenomena, where gamers retain the visual imagery and violent behaviors endemic in the game and transfer these to real life. One 9 year old child I assessed who spoke incessantly about Halo Zombies, threw a rock at a passing truck breaking the window stating “I thought I saw zombies”. Matthew de Grood, a noted ‘chronic video gamer’, killed five college students stating “I thought they were zombies”. Dr. Andrew Haag testifying psychiatrist in the trial proceedings, stated that de Grood “was having delusional symptoms which had a profound impact on how he perceived reality”.

All shooters are gamers. The recent mass shooting in a Saskatchewan school killing 4 students was by a noted ‘loner and video gamer’. Serial killer Dillan Millard reported he played Halo 4 hours per day using Zombie bullets which explode upon entry. ISIS recently created the ARMA III video game to train ISIS recruits. The recent mass shooting in Florida killing 49 people was by an ISIS militant.

Raise public awareness about the impact of violent media content on children by sharing this article with buttons below to those you love and want to protect or let readers know how you feel by making a comment below. For more information please consult video game sections on Zone’in Fact Sheet and Educational Videos at www.zonein.ca. Write to Cris Rowan at info@zonein.ca.

Cris Rowan, BScOT, BScBi, SIPT

Cris Rowan is a biologist, pediatric occupational therapist and sensory specialist with expertise in the impact of technology on child development, behaviour and learning. Having worked in school settings for over 3 decades, Cris is committed to improving student health while also easing the job of learning for children. Cris is a well-known international speaker and author to teachers, parents and therapists globally on topics of sensory integration, learning, attention, fine motor skills and the impact of media content including video games, social media and pornography on children’s brain and body development. Cris has a BSc’s both in Occupational Therapy and in Biology, is a SIPT certified sensory specialist, and has Approved Provider Status for CEU provision with the American Occupational Therapy Association. Over the past 3 decades, Cris has provided over 350 keynotes and workshops, writes monthly articles for her blog Moving to Learn, publishes the monthly Child Development Series Newsletter, and is designer and creator of Reconnect Webinars which offer research evidenced information for teens, parents, teachers and clinicians to manage balanced between screens and healthy activities. Cris is member of the Screens in Schools committee with Fairplay for Kids, member of the Institute for Digital Media and Child Development and sits on the Board of Directors for the Global Alliance for Brain and Heart Health. Cris has two adult children, Matt and Katie who grew up without screens.

Cris can be reached at crowan@reconnectwebinars.com. Reconnect Webinars offers a free, 5.5-hour CCAP accredited Screenbuster Program training webinar for teens which qualifies them to perform Tech Talks for their peers. The Screenbuster Program requires one counsellor, teacher or principal to complete the 3-day Balanced Technology Management certification CEU provided course in order to adequately supervise the teens.

Share This Article

Follow On Social Media

Recent Articles

Technology and Children

Beyond the Screen – Big Tech Healing Humanity?

We’ve all been there…that virtual hole. Dark, alluring, endlessly entertaining. We feel comforted, relaxed, at ease in our chosen haven, at first. Then after hours and hours of being engaged in mindless, meaningless content, we start to feel sick, lonely, anxious, agitated.

Technology and Children

Cell Phone Bans in Schools – Too Little Too Late? Preparatory Steps Included

In Canada, 6 out of 10 provinces and territories boast cell phone bans, but what does that really mean? The word “ban” is defined as “officially or legally prohibit” yet in practice, Canadian schools are defining and enforcing cell phone bans however they choose.

Mental Health

Why In-Person Therapy is Better – Digital Media Treatment & Education

A discussion with colleagues about ‘limbic resonance’ achieved with in-person therapy (as opposed on online therapy) lead me to this very well composed article written by Tracy Markle MA, LPC and Dr. Brett Kennedy Psy.D.