Concerned parents often assume that violent video games can harm their children and teach them to be violent as well.
New research challenges the idea that violent video games lead to increased real-life violence, questioning the common link made between the two.
Let's find out more about how things really are.
Games won't make your kid violent
Despite public perception associating violent video games with actual violence, recent studies cast doubt on this assumption.
Experts note that factors like mental health and access to firearms play a more prominent role in violent incidents, highlighting the complexity of the issue.
Dr. Agne Suziedelyte's research on the effects of violent video game releases found no evidence of increased violence against people after new game launches.
Although parents reported increased destructive behavior in children who played these games, a direct link to violent behavior was not established.
This suggests that while violent games might agitate children, it may not necessarily translate into real-world violence.
Why the experiment results matter
Dr. Suziedelyte's study implies that video game playing typically occurs at home, with fewer opportunities for real-world violence.
Policies restricting video game sales to minors may not be effective in reducing violence, emphasizing the need for evidence-based approaches to address concerns.
