Do Video Games Cause Violence? What Research Really Says

The warnings have been around for decades: violent video games lead to real-life violence. But this assertion doesn’t hold up to the scrutiny of current research. Some experts actually suggest potential positive benefits from violent video games. 

In this article, we’ll go over current research on violent video games, their potential upside, and how parents can make responsible choices when deciding whether or not to let their children play them. 

Does violence in video games lead to real-world aggression? 

From the media to politicians, the claim that violent video games cause violent behavior has been treated as fact. However, recent research doesn’t support this claim. 

• A meta-analysis by the Stanford Brainstorm Lab found no conclusive evidence linking video games to real-life violent behavior.
• The American Psychological Association revised its stance, stating, “There is insufficient scientific evidence to support a causal link between violent video games and violent behavior.”

While some studies have associated video games with aggressive behavior, current medical research and scholarship have not found any causal link between gaming and criminal violence.

Could violent video games have benefits for kids? 

Some experts argue that video games can provide developmental benefits when played in a healthy environment.

1. Supports emotional development

Safely imitating aggression in play — otherwise known as “playful aggression” — is developmentally beneficial. 

According to psychotherapist Katie Stickney Watson, LMHC, of Taproot Counseling Services, “Play is how children learn about the world around them, and playful aggression can support the healthy development of stress management, emotion regulation, and social skills like negotiation and conflict resolution.” 

2. Encourages problem-solving and critical thinking

Many video games, including those with violence, involve complex strategy, teamwork, and decision-making — skills that can translate to real-life problem-solving abilities. Plus, games that require kids to work with other players can help improve their communication and collaboration skills.

3. Provides a safe outlet for aggression

Aggression is a natural human emotion. Because natural impulses towards aggression don’t magically go away when banned, prohibiting children from using mock violence in their play may increase the chances they’ll engage in real violence. 

Watson says that violent video games can be a healthy form of playful aggression for kids and that as they become teens, “more sophisticated games may support them [in] learning and practicing these skills at more sophisticated levels.”

Of course, not every child will respond the same way to violent games. It’s important for parents to observe their child’s individual reactions.

Warning signs: When video games might be a problem

Does all this mean parents should let kids loose on violent video games with no supervision? Absolutely not. Watson cautions that children still need guidance to help them learn the boundaries between playful aggression and real harm. 

According to Watson, here are some warning signs that video games might be doing more harm than good:

• Escalating aggression that causes pain or harm to others 
• Difficulty with social skills such as respecting boundaries
• Academic struggles
• Social withdrawal
• Lack of connection with friends and/or family around video games
• Lack of enjoyment
• Absence of a healthy sense of self

If you notice these warning signs, it may be time to adjust your child’s gaming habits and introduce more balance.

How to decide if violent video games are okay for your child

While research suggests violent video games don’t cause real-world aggression, every child is different. Parents should consider their child’s unique temperament, emotional regulation skills, and social interactions when making decisions about the media they let their child consume. 

Here are some points to consider:

• Open communication is key. Watson’s biggest piece of advice for parents is to “foster open, supportive communication … get curious and ask questions to learn what draws [them] to these games and what benefits they are getting out of playing them.”
• Engage with your child’s gaming. Watson suggests that connecting with your child over video games is helpful for fostering a positive parent-child relationship — and can make it more natural to step in if you notice any warning signs related to the games. 
• Keep an eye on your child’s video game use. Play with your child, approve new games, and limit video game use to a common room where it’s easy to supervise. These steps are all ways to supervise what your child is playing and make sure their relationship with the games remains positive. 

Remember: parental involvement, rather than strict bans, is key to ensuring a positive gaming experience.

Final word: Do video games cause violence? 

Recent research suggests there isn’t a link between violent video games and violent behavior. Instead, video games — when played in moderation — can offer social, emotional, and cognitive benefits to kids. 

However, experts suggest that parents should remain actively engaged with their child’s video game habits, watching for any warning signs of problematic behavior and maintaining open conversations about online interactions.

BrightCanary can help you supervise your child’s online activity. While it doesn’t cover gaming platforms, the app’s advanced technology scans your child’s social media, Google, YouTube, and messages, so you can keep an eye on what media they’re consuming online — like video game playthroughs on YouTube and conversations with the friends they game with. Download today to get started for free.