Drs. Lawrence Kutner and Cheryl K. Olsen of Harvard Medical School's Mental Health and Media department began a $1.5 million study in 2004 to examine the effects of video games on young teenagers. Funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, the study focused on real children in real life situations and their relationship to video games.
The results of that study are discussed at length in a new book called Grand Theft Childhood. Rather than target video games themselves, the book focuses on how elements such as marketing, advocacy and the politics of video games have shaped the minds younger players.
While many books have been written about the topic, Grand Theft Childhood deviates from the norm by saying that "the real risks of video games are subtle and not just about violence, gore or sex" and "[Video games] don't affect all children in the same way."
Rather then just review how gamers are presented to children, the authors also include tips on establishing a safer home by avoiding certain games, "learning when and what kinds of video games can be harmful" and "how to enforce gaming rules in your home.
Grand Theft Childhood can be found at Amazon.com and other bookstores such as Borders and Barnes & Noble.
Beware These Violent Games
Dead Space
Dead Space is one of the year's most violent games, and is being reviewed as one of the scariest games ever made. Gruesome death scenes, both for you and the aliens you hunt, make this one to definitely stay away from.
Resistance 2
Resistance 2 is this holiday's biggest PlayStation 3 game, but it's not one for the family. Lots of guns and violence pervade this action game that earns its Mature rating.
Fallout 3
If you're looking for a family-friendly time in front of an Xbox 360 or PS3, Fallout 3 does not satisfy. Set in a post-apocalyptic Washington D.C., features of this game include a bevy of guns and a special way to target (and remove) the limbs of enemy mutants.
Far Cry 2
A solid, well-thought out story that happens to include gobs of blood and violence. While Far Cry 2 is something that any action fan could get into, heed its ages 17+ stamp on the front of its box.
Saints Row 2
Thug life is definitely not dead in this game that glorifies gang life, violence and criminal mischief. Scenes of spraying a sewage tank on innocent people does not help its cause.
Fable II
Fable II continues the series that explores morality and hard decisions in a compelling action-adventure game. The problem is, with the ability to choose good or evil, things can degenerate into a violent and crime-ridden tale.
SOCOM II
There is no story in SOCOM. Instead, it's all about the running-and-gunning, all set in an especially realistic environment. Very intense for younger gamers.
Crysis Warhead
Crysis is one of the bigger PC games to come out in a long time, and it follows the lead of several of the other games on this list with lots of over-the-top violence.
Grand Theft Auto IV
Unless you've been living under a rock, GTA IV is well known by gamers and non-gamers alike for its glorification of violence, salty language and free-wheeling attitude towards crime.
Bioshock
One of last year's biggest games now debuts on the PlayStation 3, and it is just as creepy and scary as it ever was. Weapons include guns of all kinds, the ability to toss things into people using telekinesis, and setting people on fire.
