PowerForParenting.com

Video Games, Evil or Not

Dear Doctor,

We always said our children would not have video games. Now both of them do. We have heard that there is some proof that they can cause violent behavior. Both of our children are certainly not violent types.

We do watch what they are using, and we ask them to control the time they spend with them. Is there any proof?

Trying as Parents

Dear Parents,

"Proof" is a tough word. Part of the training of a psychologist is to doubt almost everything.

What you refer to as "proof" means, in my mind, solid evidence. Some time ago two researchers did what is called a "meta-analysis" of the research in video games and the extent to which they might contribute to subsequent violent behavior.

They analyzed some 54 studies. Of the 54 nine seemed reasonably well done. Those nine indicated some relationship between violent video games and aggressive behavior. However, a statistical relationship as slight as noted in the studies does not constitute "proof."

But before you run to pull the plug, let me assure you that the studies are by no means definitive. For example, how do you measure "aggressive behavior." It isn’t easy. A study which compares two groups must be carefully done. The numbers were in the predicted direction, but the techniques used leaves much to be desired. Other questions are crying to be answered. How long was the exposure to the game?

How frequent was the game accessed? What was the violent content of the game? What was the nature of a control, group? Were there any differentiating variable dictated by the sample itself? For example, do kids who gravitate to such games have any salient and similar personality traits? Use common sense when all else fails. Control the amplitude of the violence.

Control the time of exposure. Pay attention to your child. It sounds as if you have done these things. Oh, one other thing, never say "never" as a parent. It gets you every time!

Tags: kids and violent behavior, video games and violence, violent games effecting children, violent video games