Children and Video Games: Playing with Violence
Video gaming (playing video games) has become a popular activity for people of all
ages. Many children and adolescents spend large amounts of time playing them. Video
gaming is a multibillion-dollar industry – bringing in more money than movies and
DVDs. Video games have become very sophisticated and realistic. Some games connect
to the Internet, which can allow children and adolescents to play online with unknown
adults and peers.
While some games have educational content, many of the most popular games emphasize
negative themes and promote:
• the killing of people or animals
• the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol
• criminal behavior, disrespect for authority and the law
• sexual exploitation and violence toward women
• racial, sexual, and gender stereotypes
• foul language, obscenities, and obscene gestures
There is growing research on the effects of videogames on children. Some video games
may promote learning, problem solving and help with the development of fine motor
skills and coordination. However, there are concerns about the effect of violent video
games on young people who play videogames excessively.
Studies of children exposed to violence have shown that they can become: “immune” or
numb to the horror of violence, imitate the violence they see, and show more aggressive
behavior with greater exposure to violence. Some children accept violence as a way to
handle problems. Studies have also shown that the more realistic and repeated the
exposure to violence, the greater the impact on children. In addition, children with
emotional, behavioral and learning problems may be more influenced by violent images.
Children and adolescents can become overly involved and even obsessed with
videogames. Spending large amounts of time playing these games can create problems
and lead to:
• poor social skills
• time away from family time, school-work, and other hobbies
• lower grades and reading less
• exercising less, and becoming overweight
• aggressive thoughts and behaviors
Tips for Parents
Parents can help their children enjoy these games and avoid problems by:
• checking the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings to learn about
the game’s content.
• selecting appropriate games—both in content and level of development.
• playing videogames with their children to experience the game’s content.
• setting clear rules about game content and playing time, both in and outside of
your home.
• strongly warning children about potential serious dangers of Internet contacts and
relationships while playing games online.
• talking with other parents about your family’s video game rules.
• remembering that you are a role model for your children – including video games
you play as an adult.
If parents are concerned that their child is spending too much time playing video games
or appears preoccupied or obsessed with aggressive or violent video games, they should
first set some limits (for example – playing the games for one hour after all homework is
done) and try to encourage the child to participate in other activities. If there is continued
concern about their child’s behavior or the effects of videogames, a consultation with a
qualified mental health professional may be helpful.
Quazi Imam, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry.
Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,Harvard Medical School Trained.
1833 W. Pioneer Parkway Tel: 682-323-4566
Arlington, Texas 76013
Video gaming (playing video games) has become a popular activity for people of all
ages. Many children and adolescents spend large amounts of time playing them. Video
gaming is a multibillion-dollar industry – bringing in more money than movies and
DVDs. Video games have become very sophisticated and realistic. Some games connect
to the Internet, which can allow children and adolescents to play online with unknown
adults and peers.
While some games have educational content, many of the most popular games emphasize
negative themes and promote:
• the killing of people or animals
• the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol
• criminal behavior, disrespect for authority and the law
• sexual exploitation and violence toward women
• racial, sexual, and gender stereotypes
• foul language, obscenities, and obscene gestures
There is growing research on the effects of videogames on children. Some video games
may promote learning, problem solving and help with the development of fine motor
skills and coordination. However, there are concerns about the effect of violent video
games on young people who play videogames excessively.
Studies of children exposed to violence have shown that they can become: “immune” or
numb to the horror of violence, imitate the violence they see, and show more aggressive
behavior with greater exposure to violence. Some children accept violence as a way to
handle problems. Studies have also shown that the more realistic and repeated the
exposure to violence, the greater the impact on children. In addition, children with
emotional, behavioral and learning problems may be more influenced by violent images.
Children and adolescents can become overly involved and even obsessed with
videogames. Spending large amounts of time playing these games can create problems
and lead to:
• poor social skills
• time away from family time, school-work, and other hobbies
• lower grades and reading less
• exercising less, and becoming overweight
• aggressive thoughts and behaviors
Tips for Parents
Parents can help their children enjoy these games and avoid problems by:
• checking the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings to learn about
the game’s content.
• selecting appropriate games—both in content and level of development.
• playing videogames with their children to experience the game’s content.
• setting clear rules about game content and playing time, both in and outside of
your home.
• strongly warning children about potential serious dangers of Internet contacts and
relationships while playing games online.
• talking with other parents about your family’s video game rules.
• remembering that you are a role model for your children – including video games
you play as an adult.
If parents are concerned that their child is spending too much time playing video games
or appears preoccupied or obsessed with aggressive or violent video games, they should
first set some limits (for example – playing the games for one hour after all homework is
done) and try to encourage the child to participate in other activities. If there is continued
concern about their child’s behavior or the effects of videogames, a consultation with a
qualified mental health professional may be helpful.
Quazi Imam, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry.
Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,Harvard Medical School Trained.
1833 W. Pioneer Parkway Tel: 682-323-4566
Arlington, Texas 76013
