Violence in computer and video games

Computer games can provide endless hours of fun for children, and can offer many interesting and challenging experiences. The problem is that far too many games have central themes of violence. This topic covers:

• what is violence in computer and video games
• what is the likely impact on children of playing such games
• what can parents do

What is violence in computer and video games

In violent computer and computer games, the child player needs to perform acts of violence to achieve the end goal of the game (for example to use an electronic gun to kill opponents). The child is actively encouraged to identify with the aggressive hero and to rehearse aggressive acts, and is rewarded for doing so. The person who is best at the violence wins.

What is the likely impact on children of playing such games

• teachers and child developmentalists tell us that children learn better by doing than watching; it could be argued that a child playing a violent computer and video game will learn the success of being violent from those games.
• being rewarded for performing violence is likely to increase the impact.
• violent computer and video games teach skills in "point and shoot" techniques. The games can help in overcoming the natural reluctance that most people feel in pointing at and shooting another human being.
• research is now starting to show that playing violent games increases the child’s willingness to use violence to solve conflict. Recent reviews of the research literature reveal that violent video games increases aggressive behaviour in children and young adults. (Anderson, C A & Bushman, Brad, 2001; Unsworth, G & Ward T ,2001; Australian Psychological Society, 2000) See related topic Violent Video Games and Other Media Violence: Craig Anderson answers FAQs

What can parents do

• help children avoid computer games which have a focus on violence
• choose games that have positive themes (See related topic Choosing good computer games)
• help children understand and use the classification system, and choose games that are classified G or G8. (See related topic Classification—computer games)
• place the computer in a public area of the house and not in the child’s bedroom; join in sometimes
• place limits on the amount of time with screen based media. Children need time for other activities in the real world.

References

Anderson. Craig A and Bushman, Brad (2001) "Effects of violent video games on aggressive behaviour, aggressive cognition, aggressive affect, physiological arousal, and pro-social behaviour: a meta-analytic review of the scientific literature"
Psychological Science vol. 12(5) September 2001, p353

Unsworth, Gabrielle & Ward T (2001) "Video games and aggressive behaviour"
Australian Psychologist vol. 36 (3) November 2001 p184

Readings & research

• Computer/video games
  • Books, articles and reports
  • Websites
• Computers & the internet
  • Books, articles and reports
  • Websites

Related topics

Violent Video Games and Other Media Violence: Craig Anderson answers FAQs

Choosing good computer games

Games - selected titles and reviews