Are Violent Video Games the "Smoking Gun" Behind Youth Violence?

Announcing NCPC's publication, Crime Prevention Research Digest: Video Games and Violence

Boys and girls across America play video games every day. In fact, only 1 percent of boys and 6 percent of girls don’t play video games. Yet, as the special effects in video games have become increasingly lifelike, the content has become increasingly violent. Perhaps not surprisingly, the most violent games are the most popular among teens. Many parents and professionals fear that playing these games breeds violent behavior. Some have even blamed video games for school shootings and other heinous crimes committed by young people. Are these fears warranted?

For a different perspective, consider the following: Despite the immense popularity of violent video games among American teens, the violent crime rate for youths under 18 is at its lowest level since the mid-1990s. Could it be that playing violent video games actually reduces violent behavior?

Look for the answers in NCPC’s new Crime Prevention Research Digest: Video Games and Violence. This report reviews and summarizes recent studies of the effects of video game violence in “thumbnail” descriptions that are easy for crime prevention practitioners, educators, and parents to read and understand. For readers who desire specific guidance or who want to explore the research more fully, the publication includes links to websites and other helpful resources.

A PDF of this issue of the Research Digest is available here (PDF).