According to The National Institute on Media and the Family, violent video games are increasing destructive behavior among teens in America. As technology continues to grow, so does the amount of technology in households. Gaming consoles have taken hold of the average child, and children are growing up on violent, gory video games.

David Walsh of the National Institute on Media and the Family said, “79% of American children now play computer or video games on a regular basis for an average of eight hours a day.”

Arrowhead senior Rebecca Frazier said, “My family plays violent video games and they always get super into it. They’re always freaking out and yelling. It’s kind of funny sometimes how wrapped up they are.”

The National Institute on Media and the Family said, “Those who play violent video games have been observed to be more aggressive than those who do not play violent games or do not play as often.”  Walsh’s studies provide evidence that supports these observations.

Walsh said, “Violent games increase physiological arousal, heart rate, and blood pressure.”  When engaged in a fight, the body is stimulated with these same three responses.

Frazier said, “I don’t think any games are too violent. They’re rated for a reason. If you want to play you have to be a certain age.”

People who have violent thoughts or behavior can be observed by seeing others as unfriendly and argumentative, participating in multiple fights or arguments, and being engaged in physical fights.

Walsh’s paper titled “Video Game Violence and Public Policy” states, “In a study of eighth and ninth graders, students who played more violent video games were also more likely to see the world as a hostile place, to get into frequent arguments with teachers, and to be involved in more physical fights.”

Frazier said, “I don’t think this should really be a concern. If you’re concerned for your child, just keep them away from playing the games.”

The National Institute on Media and the Family believes exposure to violence can increase the fight respond in the brain. This also increases the amount of aggression one might feel on a day to day basis.

In one study, Walsh mentions, “Students who were more ‘addicted’ to video games were significantly more likely to be in a bad mood before, during, and after playing than were non-addicted students.”