The Influence of Violent Media on Crime

Violent Media & Aggressive Behaviour

Child Psychologists' Perspective:

• Some child psychologists argue that exposure to violence in media, such as films, television, and video games, can contribute to an increased likelihood of young people becoming violent themselves.

TV and Film Impact:

Long-Term Study:

• An American study initiated in the 1980s found a correlation between children who watched substantial amounts of violence on television from the age of eight and higher levels of aggressive behaviour at the age of eighteen. These individuals were also more prone to criminal prosecution in adulthood.

Aggression and Media Consumption:

• Research suggests a complex relationship: while exposure to violent media may contribute to aggression, individuals predisposed to aggression may be more drawn to violent media.

Gaming Influence:

Limited Research:

• There has been less extensive research into the effects of violence in gaming compared to TV and film.

Studies on Video Games:

• A 2010 study concluded that exposure to violent video games is a causal risk factor for increased aggressive behaviour.
• A 2009 study agreed but noted that the increased aggression measured in the laboratory did not necessarily translate to meaningful effects in the real world.

---

The Influence of Violent Media on Crime

Australian Government Review (2010):

• The review found that the effects of violent video games on aggression are generally small but still a cause for concern.
• It highlighted that individuals with psychotic personality traits might be more affected by violent video games.
• The research on the effects of violent video games on aggression was deemed contested and inconclusive.

Swedish Media Council (2011):

• Reviewed over 100 articles about violent video games.
• Concluded that there is a clear, statistically significant link between violent games and aggressive behaviour.
• Asserted that evidence does not establish a causative relationship, suggesting that underlying factors like poor mental health and family problems may contribute to both violent behaviour and a tendency to play violent games.

Conclusion: