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Study - 75% of parents believe violence in video games contribute to violence in the US

Common Sense Media has released the results of a study conducted in the US, which found that 75% of parents surveyed believe violence in video games contributes to violence in
the United States.

The survey was conducted January 4-5, 2013, and 1,050 parents across 50 states with a child of under 18 years living at home participated.

Of those, 89% felt violence in today's video games is a "problem," and 75% felt shielding children from violence is "difficult."

All parents were shown a video advertisement for Hitman: Absolution, and 84% felts the advertisement was "inappropriate to show on TV at a time when
children are watching."

In fairness, we personally never saw the ad aired at a time when children would be watching - then again, we don't watch a copious amount of television. When we do, it's usually TBS or Adult Swim.

Participants were also asked if movie and video game ratings allowed parents to make informed decisions about violent content. 68% said "Yes", 23% said "No" and 9% weren't sure.

77% felt violence on TV and in movies contributed to overall violence in the US as well, and 64% said violent toys were also a factor. 92% said bullying also contributed to violence.

In all, 93% of parents admitted that a lack of supervision for children contributed to violence.

You can read the full results here.

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Stephany Nunneley-Jackson

News Editor

Stephany is VG247’s News Editor, with 22 years experience (with 15 of them at VG247). With a brain that lacks adhesive ducks, the ill-tempered, chaotic neutral fembot does her best to bring you the most interesting gaming news. She is also unofficially the site’s Lord of the Rings/Elder Scrolls Editor.

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