Violent Games

[Research on violent television and films, video games, and music reveals unequivocal evidence that media violence increases the likelihood of aggressive and violent behavior in both immediate and long-term contexts. The research base is large; diverse in methods, samples, and media genres; and consistent in overall findings.

Short-term exposure increases the likelihood of physically and verbally aggressive behavior, aggressive thoughts, and aggressive emotions. Recent large-scale longitudinal studies provide converging evidence linking frequent exposure to violent media in childhood with aggression later in life, including physical assaults and spouse abuse.

This is a Common Sense Media Approach (2005). Common Sense Media is the leading non-profit organization dedicated to improving media and entertainment choices for kids and families: their goal is to provide trustworthy information on a variety of media content and to create a responsible and enjoyable media environment for everyone. “Playing violent video games is to an adolescent’s violent behavior what smoking tobacco is to lung cancer.” (American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on Media Violence). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, playing violent video games accounts for a 13% to 22% increase adolescents’ violent behavior compared to a 14% increase in lung cancer from smoking tobacco.[1]

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