However, a new study that has come to light has revealed that playing violent games is linked to aggressive behaviour.
Thankfully, the report, which was conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), didn’t find enough evidence to suggest that these types of games can lead to criminal acts.
According to the report: "The research demonstrates a consistent relation between violent video game use and increases in aggressive behaviour, aggressive cognitions and aggressive affect, and decreases in pro-social behaviour, empathy and sensitivity to aggression."
While it does explain that no single influence can lead to this type of behaviour, but rather an “accumulation of risk factors”, the APA has said that “violent video game use is one such risk factor”.
They now want game makers to increase parental controls and are calling on them to create a rating system that takes more notice of the violence contained. They also want games to be made more appropriate to players’ ages and development.
Talking about the ten year study, Dr. Mark Appelbaum, who chaired the APA task force, said: "While there is some variation among the individual studies, a strong and consistent general pattern has emerged from many years of research that provides confidence in our general conclusions."
If you are trying to limit the amount of time your little one spends playing video games, have a read of our tops tips.
