Do video games cause violence?

[Ducimus]

Originally Posted by Armistead

I've only played a few in my life, but it seems zombies are really in today.

Do you think the violence of video games actually have effect on real life among teens? Should there be a limit. It doe's appear to me that kids today are growing up with less respect for life. Do you think all the violence in games has desensitized the young mindset.

My 13 year old was playing some game a friend brought over, car running over people, cops, shooting anything, character calling women itches and ho's and I told the kid not to bring it back....course I'm sure he plays games like this at his friends house, but least want to set an example. Do you set limits with your kids?

I want to make two points and post one link:

Point 1:
Violence in general is prevalent in american society. On any given night watching TV, you can see shootings, stabbings, assaults, autopsy's, etc. Sexual content remains taboo, but you can get the whole gamut of "action".

Point 2:
Some parents don't realize it, but there are games intended for adults. I think of it like this..... All the Gen X'ers grew up with video games. Before Gen X, there really wasn't video games. Now that game playing Gen X'ers are grown up, video game makers create games targeted at the adult audience. Just like movie makers create movies targeted at an adult audience. And just like the game designed for an adult audience, i highly doubt parents would let their kid watch an R or X rated movie. If you , the parent, let your kid play a game that is targeted for an adult, YOU are at fault, not the game makers.

Link:
The 4 Most Important Things to Know as a Gamer Parent (its sarchastic, but it makes a good point)