Violent video games can increase aggressive behavior in children and adolescents, both in the short and long term. In findings presented at the Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, researchers from Saint Leo University reviewed the scientific studies of violent video games from the past 20 years.

The review found youths who played violent games for less than 10 minutes showed an increase in aggressive behavior after the game. Children who spent more time playing violent video games were rated by their teachers as more hostile than other children in the study.

Frequent violent video game players were more likely to have arguments with authority figures and were more likely to be involved in physical altercations with other students. Children who are attracted to the violent content of the games are likely to be more vulnerable to the effects of that exposure, according to the review.

– Markian Hawryluk