Children tend to learn by observing and acting on what they have learned and seen, notes Pamela Eakes, founder of Mothers Against Violence in America and author of the article, "Do You Know What Video Games Your Children Are Playing?" The American Academy of Pediatrics has concluded that when children play violent video games on a regular basis, they are more likely to behave aggressively, possibly getting into physical altercations with their peers.
Studies suggest that when children play an excessive amount of violent video games, they experience decreased levels of empathy, according to the article, "Violent Video Games, Aggressive Behavior, and Social/School Adjustment," written by Jason A. Drummond and Eric F. Dubow. Games that include violent scenarios desensitize children to feelings, making them unable to share their feelings with friends or classmates.
Researchers found that playing violent video games enhances physiological states of arousal as noted in the article "Violent Video Games: The Newest Media Violence Hazard," written by Douglas A. Gentile and Craig A. Anderson in 2003 and published by Iowa State University. Violent video games, when played by children, increase short-term spikes in blood pressure and heart rate, causing an enhanced level of possible hostility and aggression.
Video games that involve violent actions, such as killing and fighting, can lead to children becoming more insecure and fearful, according to the article, "Violent Video Games and Aggressive Behaviors," published by the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in 2011. Nightmares may result from a youngster's exposure to gaming violence, and a child may have a sense of mistrust for others.