Online Gaming Effects on Behaviour

Because of the interactive nature of video games, where players participate in the on-screen action, parents can worry that this will affect children's behaviour. This is particularly true where younger players experience more violent games not necessarily designed for their age group.

No direct link between violent behaviour offline and video games

However, contrary to popular belief and many newspaper headlines following violent incidents involving teenagers, a direct link between video game violence and violent behaviour has not been found.

In their book, Moral Combat, Markey and Ferguson show that although the rise of video game sales to teenagers has risen steeply over the years there has been no correlating rise in violent crime. In fact, they suggest the reverse is true — that games can play a role in keeping teenagers off the streets and out of trouble.

Still, it is important that parents understand how video games affect their children. Parents may not be aware of the actual scenes their children will experience in games before playing them. It's crucial, therefore, that parents use the PEGI ratings and related information that provides a detailed account of the violence, sex and language contained in a video game.