APA adopts resolution on violence in video games and interactive media

In August, APA's Council of Representatives adopted a resolution that calls for the reduction of violence in video games and interactive media.

The resolution was spearheaded by Div. 46 (Media) and sponsored by the APA Committee on Children, Youth and Families.

"The division proposed the resolution due to the evolution of violence in video games and interactive media and the potential for greater effects on children by the interactive nature of the video games versus the passive nature of film and TV," says former Div. 46 President Elizabeth Carll, PhD, who established the division's committee on the resolution as one of her presidential initiatives.

Research indicates that exposure to violence and active participation in video games increases aggressive thoughts, aggressive behavior and angry feelings among youth. In addition, the exposure reduces helpful behavior and increases physiological arousal in children and adolescents.

The resolution specifically recommends that psychologists:

• Teach media literacy to children so they can critically evaluate interactive media.

• Encourage the entertainment industry to link violent behaviors with negative social consequences.

• Develop and disseminate a content-based rating system that would reflect the content of the video games and interactive media.

• Increase awareness among game developers that such games and interactive media may increase aggressive thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents, and these effects may potentially be greater than the effects of exposure to violence in film and television.

The Div. 46 Committee on APA Resolution on Violence in Video Games and Interactive Media consisted of co-chairs Elizabeth Carll, PhD, and Dorothy Singer, EdD, and members Craig Anderson, PhD, Brad Bushman, PhD, Karen Dill, PhD, and Lilli Friedland, PhD.

The text of the APA Resolution on Violence in Video Games and Interactive Media is at www.apa.org/pi/cyf/violence_in_videogames_interactive_media.pdf.

For further information, contact Carll.