Harvard Medical School Center for Mental Health and Media, Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry, 271 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452-8403, USA. Cheryl_olson@hms.harvard.edu
OBJECTIVE: Contrary to media headlines and public perceptions, there is little evidence of a substantial link between exposure to violent interactive games and serious real-life violence or crime. CONCLUSION: Further research is needed on whether violent games may affect less dramatic but real concerns such as bullying, fighting, or attitudes and beliefs that support aggression, as well as how effects may vary by child characteristics and types of games. There is also a need for research on the potential benefits of violent games for some children and adults.