Chapter 2: Lessons We've Learned from Society

Abstract

There has been considerable media coverage devoted to the suspected but mostly unverified link between violent videogames and violent behavior. Thus, many parents have serious misconceptions about the nature of their children's use of videogames, assuming that it is something that should be minimized. According to the largest and most objective study on this topic, the link between violent videogames and violent behavior is minimal, at best. The study also found that contrary to many assumptions, playing video games can be a valuable social experience for children, helping them to build communication and problem-solving skills. This chapter of “Gaming in Libraries: Learning Lessons from the Intersections” explores the link between video games, behavior and civic engagement in children.