Video Games and Violent Behavior

A topic that has recently become subject to much debate is if video games contribute to violent behavior in both children and adults. There are many opposing viewpoints on this subject, with each side presenting 'research' and special studies to support their case. With all of this conflicting information, it's difficult to actually form your own concise opinion as to if video games could possibly contribute to violent behavior. However, with a quick look at some key facts, it's clear that the association between playing video games and acting out on violent tendencies is not directly connected.

Many parents discourage their children from playing violent video games. This is the main reason why most video games include a rating, which has a general guideline for how old a child has to be before they should be allowed to play this game. However, it may occur that a child gains access to a game that is only designed to be played by individuals that are over eighteen years of age. This can present a problem for a parent, since they see that their children have been exposed to game content that is only intended for mature players. This is usually what leads to parents complaining about the content of some games designed for mature audiences, such as the Grand Theft Auto series.

However, there has been no proven connection that directly associates children displaying violent behavior solely because they are exposed to violent video game content. This is a myth, and is not currently proven by any reputable study. Most children that exhibit violent behavior are also exposed to many other environmental factors that can cause them to act inappropriately. Blaming video games for problems in children is baseless, false and poorly informed. When in doubt , it is best to pay attention to the ratings on a game, using it as a guideline for what type of games you should allow your children to play.

Patrick is the co-founder and owner of Dyyo Studios, an Internet Marketing firm based out of Raleigh, NC. His other interests include programming, consulting, website design, and competitive gaming at a professional level. You can check out his blog here: http://crims0n.us/

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