A team of researchers at Dartmouth University have found that violent video games are linked to aggression in young children. The findings, which were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, were based on an analysis of 24 studies from around the world which included over 17,000 children between the ages of nine and 17.
“Although no single research project is definitive, our research aims to provide the most current and compelling responses to key criticisms on this topic," said Jay Hull, the lead author of the study. "Based on our findings, we feel it is clear that violent video game play is associated with subsequent increases in physical aggression."
The researches analyzed the studies in an effort to reduce confusion over the issue and only looked at studies that controlled for age and aggression in the participants. They also picked studies that only looked for a link between violent video games and violent actions.
With the stricter criteria, the researchers found that "playing violent games is associated with subsequent increases in physical aggression," which can result in "real-world physical aggression over time."
"I hope our findings prompt skeptics to reevaluate their position, especially since some of our other research indicates that violent video game play may increase deviance with implications for multiple risk behaviors," added the study's co-author James Sargent.
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