As video games have evolved over time they have transformed from non-violent rudimentary simulations aimed mainly towards children to significantly more lifelike presentations aimed mainly at the largest market, being adults.
As a result of the market shift, the content of the games has become much more adult in its nature, both through images, content and language used. Gone are the days when combined semi-circles and squares of different colours were chasing a yellow circle who was trying to eat as many dots as possible.
Gentile & Anderson (2003) state that playing video games may increase aggressive behaviour because violent acts are continually repeated throughout the video game. This method of repetition has long been considered an effective teaching method in reinforcing learning patterns.
Research has also found that, controlling for prior aggression, children who played more violent video games during the beginning of the school year showed more aggression than other children later in the school year. (Pediatrics, Nov. 2008)
Parents understanding and utilising the ratings of video games has become much more important to protect children from exposure to inappropriate content for their age group, just as they do for films. Additionally, parents should take this rating as a guide, not a steadfast rule, as the content for individual age groups may not be right for your child.
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