Letters: Sex, risks and video games

Re: “Sex and Risk Among People in Their 20s” May 3, California has a little advertised but fabulous program called FPACT (Family Planning, Access, Care, Treatment) that was established in 1996. California residents qualify if they are uninsured and are at 200% poverty level, which is determined by family size and income.

The program goal is to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. FPACT has far-reaching effects for individuals, families and California. Once applicants qualify, all contraceptives and STD testing and treatment are at no cost.

For all interested individuals, the website is https://www.familypact.org. If you go on the website, you can enter a ZIP Code and it will direct you to the nearest FPACT providers.

Kathie Stroben, RN, NP

Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services

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Now we can see the results of abstinence-only education in high school.

Ron Karam

Fullerton

Gaming and/or violence

Re: “Effects of Violent Video Games” May 3:

It is ridiculous to think that a child who plays violent video games all day would in any way be affected by those games. After all, why would looking at violence, fantasizing about using violence to get rewards and feeling victorious when violence wins out have any affect on a child’s thinking and behavior? Sincerely, The Tobacco Lobby.

Matthew Duggan, PhD

Long Beach

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I believe that playing violent video games has the possibility to make someone act more aggressively and violently themselves, but that is not a guarantee. For example, I know two people who play Call of Duty constantly. One of them is very quick to get angry and be ready to pick a fight with his siblings, while the other remains calm and is definitely not at the violence level of the other one.

I think it depends on your temperament. If you already have a temper and will act upon your anger in violent games, then, yes, these video games will probably make you more belligerent. However, if you are a calm, rational person who can keep yourself from becoming too angry too quickly, then you will be able to calm yourself down and prevent yourself from getting into a fight with someone.

I do agree that TV time and video game time should be limited — this could help with this problem and a whole lot of others and allow for more outside enrichment of the mind. Quitting is easier than you would think. Ttrust me.

Jenna Ward

Trabuco Canyon

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Video games in general are, to me, a human invention that is unnecessary to the world. Why should someone sit at home in front of a dim television screen, killing other made-up characters? Not only is this extremely pointless and meaningless, but it also glorifies violence.

It is this glorification of violence that encourages me to think that video games trigger aggressive behavior in real life. Some researchers say that it is possible that violent kids are attracted to violent games. However, it is also true that teenagers begin to think that bloody fights and warfare are natural, normal occurrences.

Parents and teens alike need to understand that there is so much more they can get out of life by being outside and experiencing the world. Video games are addicting, money-wasting, and often promote ideals in children that will negatively influence their lives. Why be stuck inside pretending to shoot and kill people, when one can be out enjoying the fresh air?

Ashley Ko

Coto de Caza

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Video games are merely the latest installment of the continuing story of man’s fascination with violence. Should we, therefore, restrict children’s access to, say, Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” or Homer’s “Iliad?” “The Iliad” contains descriptions of violent acts as grisly as any of those found in video games. It is whether parents provide a moral compass that puts the violence in context that makes all the difference.

Leslie Stem

Gardena

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