There have many studies over recent years that violent video games have an adverse effect on our children. Now comes a new study which indicates the effects may not end as adulthood begins. The new study was conducted by Dr. Sonya Brady, now at the University of California, San Francisco, and Dr. Karen Mathews of the University of Pittsburgh.

Study participants were 100 male undergraduates, ranging in age from 18-21. The study found they were more likely to believe that it was ok to use marijuana, or drink heavily. They were also found to be more aggressive immediately following playing the game, and more likely to feel accused of cheating etc.

Playing violent games boosted the blood pressures of the participants. The researchers also found that the impact was greater on those who came from violent homes, or communities.

As parents whose job it is to prepare our children for adulthood these findings should disturb us. Our modern world is increasingly dangerous to people who are prone to confrontation. Heaven forbid both people involved just finished playing a violent video game. It also occurs to me that the study is indicating a decrease in the ability of the person playing the game to trust others. Anything that reduces trust in a relationship is a bad thing. Many in this same 18-21 age group are beginning marriages. A true marriage requires the largest possible degree of trust.

So obviously we have a problem so what do we do ? Freedom of expression is a reality in our democracy. People have a right to produce products such as fast food, or violent video games which may not be appropriate for the kind of life we want. Video Games are also a reality of our modern life. Im a realist. They arent going away ! The ratings are of limited use. After all a rating that says you should be 18 to purchase a game, does nothing to protect 18-21 year olds. Ratings do however give us a guide to the violence etc a game portrays.

We must do a better job of teaching our kids, and young adults to handle things like anger, and frustration. Our imperfect world is not always fair. We also need more education on the facts of how violent video games are not just harmless fun. We can work with groups in the community to provide alternative recreation for our young adults.

Perhaps most of all we can be watchful of our own example. For instance if the movies we watch are full of sex, violence etc, how much of a leap is it for our younger generation to believe that the same things are ok in the games they enjoy ?

It really comes down to two things. One is personal responsibility. We cant let peer pressure or anything else be our guide. As Christians our faith, and the scripture it is based on is the only guide for our behavior. Second, we must be willing to invest more of our own time in the people we care about. This means among other things that we have to be watchful of our own example. Our example, as you know, speaks loudest of all !