Is there a link between video games and Conn. school shooting?
Posted:
Updated:
By Trey Thomas, All News 106.7
The Connecticut school shooter was allegedly a fan of "Call of Duty."
COBB COUNTY, Ga. -
Is there a connection between violent video games and last week's tragic killings at a Connecticut elementary school?
Friends say shooter Adam Lanza was an avid gamer, whose favorite game simulated killing people. The 20-year-old was reportedly a fan of "Call of Duty," which is at the top of many kids Christmas wish list.
"There's lots of parents that let their young people and their children play with these games that don't realize the psychological effect it could have down the road," said Georgia state Rep. Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta).
Cooper has degrees in child development and psychiatric nursing, but admits there's little she can do as a lawmaker to address the issue.
Video games are already rated for age appropriateness by the entertainment software rating board.
"Trying to enforce that where all these games are sold – I think that's probably an impossibility," said Cooper.
One expert believes we'll never know if video games played a role in the tragic mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.
"It's very complicated and probably due to many causes, but violent media could play a role in such behavior," said Dr. Brad Bushman, a professor of communication and psychology at Ohio State University.
Bushman has conducted numerous studies on violent video games and is considered an expert on the subject.
"We found that violent video games increase aggressive thoughts. They increase angry feelings. They increase physiological arousal such as heart rate and blood pressure. They increase aggressive behavior," said Bushman.
His advice to parents: monitor what your children play and how much time they spend playing it.
To learn more about video games, how they're rated and why, visit the entertainment software rating board's website at http://www.esrb.org/index-js.jsp
Monday, December 17 2012 9:22 AM EST2012-12-17 14:22:54 GMT
The tragedy that took place in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday is hard for adults to process, but it's even worse for children.
The tragedy that took place in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday is hard for adults to process, but it's even worse for children. Some parents spent their weekend trying to figure out how to discuss the shootings with their kids, and those talks will likely continue.
Monday, April 8 2013 12:51 PM EDT2013-04-08 16:51:11 GMT
The schoolchildren are remembered for their love of horses, or for the games they couldn't get enough of, or for always saying grace at dinner. The adult victims found their life's work in sheltering little ones.
The schoolchildren are remembered for their love of horses, or for the games they couldn't get enough of, or for always saying grace at dinner. The adult victims found their life's work in sheltering little ones.
Monday, December 17 2012 7:24 PM EST2012-12-18 00:24:59 GMT
The U.S. Postal Service has set up a special post office box for people to send letters of condolence to the Newtown, Conn. community shaken by Friday's deadly shooting.
The U.S. Postal Service has set up a special post office box for people to send letters of condolence to the Newtown, Conn. community shaken by Friday's deadly shooting.
Sunday, December 16 2012 5:12 PM EST2012-12-16 22:12:13 GMT
Pope Benedict XVI told pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter's Square on Sunday that he is praying for the families of the 20 children and six adults who were killed during a shooting rampage.
Pope Benedict XVI told pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter's Square on Sunday that he is praying for the families of the 20 children and six adults who were killed during a shooting rampage.
Saturday, December 15 2012 7:35 PM EST2012-12-16 00:35:51 GMT
Investigators tried to figure out what led a bright but painfully awkward 20-year-old to slaughter 26 children and adults at a Connecticut elementary school.
Investigators tried to figure out what led a bright but painfully awkward 20-year-old to slaughter 26 children and adults at a Connecticut elementary school.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:03:16 GMT
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:43 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:43:19 GMT
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot!
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot! This week, Sweet Auburn BBQ joined us for Food Truck Friday, and they got the holiday weekend started right with wings.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:11 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:11:19 GMT
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill.
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill. Lucky for you, our friends from Pike Nurseries have a ton of ideas for how you can get your outdoor space ready for the holiday festivities.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:58 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:58:06 GMT
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far.
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far. Located just 150 miles from Atlanta, Providence Canyon may be the perfect summer day trip.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:12:38 GMT
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas.
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas. So, we're going retro to see what our Good Day crew looked like back in the day (and maybe embarrass them just a little)!
Friday, May 24 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:42:08 GMT
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose.
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose. The state of Georgia is trying to do something about the problem, so they've just launched an awareness campaign focused on education and prevention.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:41 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:41:05 GMT
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales.
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales. This weekend marks one of the biggest for sales amongst retailers, and no matter where you shop, there's a good chance they're offering a deal.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:09 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:09:40 GMT
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go.
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go. Does Someone Have to Go? is a new FOX reality show that lets employees take over for their bosses, and it premieres Thursday night!
1551 Briarcliff Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30306
Main Number: (404) 875-5555 News Tips: (404) 898-0100
The Connecticut school shooter was allegedly a fan of "Call of Duty."
