August 26, 2005
After a review of studies on violence in the media that have been done over the last 20 years, the American Psychological Association (APA) has concluded that exposure to violent video games seems to increase kids' aggressive behavior.
While some studies have not found a link between violent video games and aggressive behavior, "the preponderance of the evidence have indicated the link," said Dr. Kevin Kieffer, an assistant professor of psychology at Saint Leo University in Florida.
Dr. Kieffer co-wrote a review of research on the role electronic media play in the development of attitudes, behaviors, and mental function in kids and teens. He presented it to the APA earlier this month.
That research showed that violent media can increase kids' feelings of hostility, their thoughts about aggression, and their suspicions about the motives of others.
Based on that analysis, the APA has recommended that video game developers reduce the amount of violence in their products.
The APA also called for a more consistent and extensive rating system. It urged parents and other adults to teach kids how to critically evaluate and understand video game violence.
One study found that kids who spend more time playing violent video games are more hostile and more likely to argue than other teens. Another study showed that kids who play violent games for less than 10 minutes tended to act aggressively shortly after playing.
The research also showed that playing violent video games may be more harmful for kids than watching violence on TV, the APA said. Because video games involve kids in practicing repeated acts of violence, and often reward them for it, the games make the violence more realistic and intensify the kids' learning of violent behavior.
In his paper, Dr. Kieffer said that there needs to be more research in this area, including long-term studies to find out if there are any lasting effects of violent video games.
The APA also recommended that the industry develop more consistent and informative ratings for video games, arcade games, and interactive games played on the Internet.
Many video games carry ratings to help parents choose which games are appropriate for their kids. These ratings, which were developed by the industry's Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), indicate which games are appropriate for certain age groups, and when they contain violent content, strong language, or other elements.
But the APA said that's not enough. The ratings "aren't sufficiently specific to be informative as to the actual nature of the content," said Dr. Elizabeth Carll, co-chair of the APA's Committee on Violence in Video Games and Interactive Media. "Revising and fine-tuning current systems to be consistent and accurate relating to content concerns would be more informative to the consumer."
Reducing Your Child's Exposure to Violence in the Media
As with the Internet and TV, experts say that it's a good idea to monitor and limit your child's exposure to violence in video games. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids under age 2 have no "screen time" (time spent in front of TV, computers, videos, or the Internet), and kids older than 2 watch no more than 1-2 hours a day of quality programming. (Too much screen time has other side effects too. Research has shown that kids who consistently spend more than 4 hours a day watching TV are more likely to be overweight.)
There are tools to help you limit the amount of exposure your child has to violent content in the video games. The ESRB's ratings range from EC, meaning Early Childhood, which indicates that the game is appropriate for kids ages 3 and older, to AO, for Adults Only, which indicates that violent or graphic sexual content make it appropriate only for adults. The ratings also indicate when the games have things like violence, strong language, or mature sexual themes.
Even with the ratings, it's still important to preview the games - or even play them - before you give them to your child. The game's rating may not match what you feel is appropriate for your child.
And monitor how the game is affecting your child. If your child seems more aggressive after spending time playing these games, try to discuss the game and help your child understand how the violence that's portrayed is different from what occurs in the real world.
By doing that, you can help your child identify less with the aggressive characters and reduce the negative effects that the violent video games can have, according to the APA.
It's also a good idea to make sure your child has a variety of free-time activities in addition to video games. Things like reading, playing with friends, and sports can all play a vital part in helping your child develop a healthy body and mind!
Reviewed by: Barbara P. Homeier, MD
Date reviewed: August 2005
