If you do a quick search for “Do videogames cause violence?” you will definitely come across the American Psychological Association’s article "Violent Video Games: Myths, Facts, and Unanswered Questions” from 2003. This webpage lists irrefutable arguments that videogames are a significant factor for aggressive and violent behavior.
While most research studies still do agree that violent videogames are a risk factor for aggressive behavior, more and more recent studies challenge this argument. Many studies don’t even report violence as a result of video games either.
Since 2003, there has been a shift in attitude that suggests violent video games aren’t as big of a threat to children as once assumed.
In 2013, the American Psychological Association (APA) published another relevant article called “Violence in the Media — Psychologists Study TV and Video Game Violence for Potential Harmful Effects.”
In this article, researcher C. J. Ferguson reports similar findings to those who claim that violent video games are a risk factor for aggressive behavior. However, he argues that the laboratory results have not translated to the real world—and if they have, the results are minuscule.
A few Harvard Health articles have also asked readers to reconsider vilifying videogames until more evidence is found, but of course to still exercise caution. Many researchers also argue that instead of virtual violence, the game difficulty or ‘impeded competence’ of the player was better correlated to aggressive behavior. Meanwhile, Canadian researches at Brock University have reported that videogame competitiveness is linked to aggression, while videogame violence is not.
What does this mean?
A bit of moderated video game violence is not as a significant risk factor for older children and teens as once thought.
Caution is still recommended. Young children can’t always distinguish between fantasy and reality. It is suggested that children under 8-10 should not be exposed to virtual violence at all.
The studies referenced above focused on teens and young adults. However, all children are different, and you know your family best. Stay engaged with your children and encourage discussions about their feelings and reactions to video games. You can always contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
Experts still encourage parents to moderate their children’s screen time and to be mindful of their content consumption. Keep computers and gaming consoles in public areas and encourage conversations about their content consumption. Provide other activities that promote creativity, communication, and fitness. Sports, puzzles, and crafts are all good examples of fun activities.
Not all videogames have violence. There are also a lot of fun non-violent videogames that encourage problem-solving, effective communication, and teamwork!
Maybe play a videogame with your family.
Who knows… you might like them too!
References:
Harvard Health:
Protecting children from the dangers of “virtual violence” (Aug 2016).
Harvard Health:
Violent video games don't influence kids' behavior: study. (Apr 2015).
Harvard Health:
Game On: Harvard Health Letter (Oct 2009).
Psychology today:
Blame Game: Violent Video Games Do Not Cause Violence (July 2019).
American Psychological Association: APA Reaffirms Position on Violent Video Games and Violent Behavior
(March 2020).
American Psychological Association:
Media use in childhood: Evidence-based recommendations for caregivers (May 2019).
American Psychological Association:
Violence in the Media — Psychologists Study TV and Video Game Violence for Potential Harmful Effects (2013).
American Psychological Association:
Violent Video Games: Myths, Facts, and Unanswered Questions
(Oct 2003).
Society for Media Psychology and Technology: Amplifier Magazine:
Violent Video Games Public Statement (2017).