How Violence in Video Games Affects Children

When playing violent video games, children can act out scenes like this again and again.

By 2010, video games have become increasingly violent. Many of the top-selling video games carry ratings of "M" for mature. Despite this, many teens and young children still play these games. However, playing violent video games can have a profound effect on young minds.

Features

Violent video games feature rampant killing, graphic violence and other negative behaviors. The video gamer is encouraged to carry out these acts to score additional points, to level up the character or to achieve victory in the game.

Decreased Empathy

The primary effect that these games have on children is that they desensitize them to violence. Repeatedly viewing violent acts such as murder while playing a video game can make a child more accepting of these behaviors in real life and decrease empathy towards those who suffer.

Increased Aggression

Repeated exposure to violent video games can lead to increased aggression in children. A study published in the March 2010 Psychological Bulletin of the American Psychological Association showed a direct link between violent video games and increased short-term and long-term aggression in youths.

Social Interaction

Violent video games can also effect how children respond to real-life situations. Violent video games have been shown to make children respond more violently toward their peers and other adults when provoked, according to the Japanese study, "Longitudinal Effects of Violent Video Games on Aggression in Japan and the United States," published in the 2008 issue of Pediatrics Magazine.

References

• ScienceDaily: Violent Video Game Play Makes More Aggressive Kids
• Dana: Video Games Affect the Brain--For Better and Worse