Momma don’t let your boys grow up playing HALO

In the debate over violent video games, this researcher says the verdict is in.

“Violent media increases aggression in children, especially violent screen media,” says Professor Brad Bushman at Ohio State University.

Bushman surveyed pediatricians, parents and researchers, and found overwhelming agreement that video violence has consequences.

“Playing violent video games increased aggressive thoughts, angry feelings and they decreased helping behavior,” Bushman said.

Because of that, he said children between ages two and 17 ought to limit any screen time to two hours a day. Children under two should avoid video screens, period. But as he told us from his office, that’s probably a lost cause.

“The average child, I think, in that age range consumes over 7.5 hours.”

It’s not just the aggressive behavior Bushman’s noticing. “For example, I’ve done other research showing narcissism levels are also increasing over time.”

Now that phones have cameras on both sides they’re like $600 pocket mirrors.

The good news is that non-violent video games can have a positive effect. If you’re raising daughters, you can relax, because while boys who play violent screen games tend to act out on the playground afterwards.

“Girls rarely engaged in that kind of behavior regardless of what they watched,” Bushman said.

Justin, time to turn the game off. Jessica, fire away.