“M” rated games are good for kids aged 12-14

It may be easy to blame violent video games for real life violence, but research show that crimes and “M” rated games that show how to do them aren’t related at all.

According to a study published on the Journal of Adolescent Health, researchers observed more than 1,200 seventh and eight grade gamers. It turns out that most 12-14 year olds play M-rated games, yet we don’t see pre-teens shooting people. The thought of violent games causing major violence “doesn’t hold water,” said Cheryl Olson from Massachusetts General Hospital.

Violent video games actually help younger gamers in dealing with stress and anger. “We don’t know whether playing to get anger out is a good thing or a bad thing for any individual child, but we suspect that it might be healthy for a lot of kids,” Olson continued.

The stereotype of gamers being loners, anti-social, and violent was also debunked by the study. Contrary to popular belief, playing video games is actually a social activity. Even gamers that stick to MMORPGs for countless hours are still likely to play with a group of friends.

“It’s not going to ruin them, they’re not going to go out and pick up a gun. Violent video game play is typical and normal for kids nowadays. That doesn’t mean that parents have to like it, but they shouldn’t panic about it,” said Olson.

Via Game Rush

It may be easy to blame violent video games for real life violence, but research show that crimes and “M” rated games that show how to do them aren’t related at all.

According to a study published on the Journal of Adolescent Health, researchers observed more than 1,200 seventh and eight grade gamers. It turns out that most 12-14 year olds play M-rated games, yet we don’t see pre-teens shooting people. The thought of violent games causing major violence “doesn’t hold water,” said Cheryl Olson from Massachusetts General Hospital.

Violent video games actually help younger gamers in dealing with stress and anger. “We don’t know whether playing to get anger out is a good thing or a bad thing for any individual child, but we suspect that it might be healthy for a lot of kids,” Olson continued.

The stereotype of gamers being loners, anti-social, and violent was also debunked by the study. Contrary to popular belief, playing video games is actually a social activity. Even gamers that stick to MMORPGs for countless hours are still likely to play with a group of friends.

“It’s not going to ruin them, they’re not going to go out and pick up a gun. Violent video game play is typical and normal for kids nowadays. That doesn’t mean that parents have to like it, but they shouldn’t panic about it,” said Olson.

Via Game Rush