The inspiration to write this article came from my recent experience of working a shift in a child and adolescent psychiatric unit for children under 10 years old. I observed firsthand how a child’s behavior, particularly aggression and language, changed after playing video games. This led me to explore the broader psychological effects of video gaming on children, particularly concerning aggression, empathy, and the adoption of violent language.

Video gaming has become integral to childhood and adolescence, providing entertainment, social interaction, and cognitive benefits (Granic, Lobel, & Engels, 2014). However, concerns persist regarding its psychological impact, particularly its influence on aggression, empathy, and violent language. While research continues to explore these issues, it is essential to examine gaming’s effects on young minds, considering both risks and benefits.

One of the most debated topics in psychology is whether video games contribute to increased aggression in children. Studies investigating this link have found mixed results.

Many researchers argue that violent video games can increase aggressive tendencies. The General Aggression Model (GAM) suggests that repeated exposure to violent content reinforces aggressive thoughts and behaviors (Anderson & Bushman, 2002). Children frequently engaging in violent gaming may become desensitized to violence, increasing real-life aggression.

Short-term exposure to violent video games can heighten physiological arousal, aggressive thoughts, and hostile behavior. Research in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that children who played violent video games displayed more aggression immediately after gameplay than those who played non-violent games (Carnagey & Anderson, 2005).

Some researchers emphasize that aggression from video games is often context-dependent. Children with pre-existing aggression, lack of parental supervision, or exposure to violence in their environment may be more susceptible (Ferguson, 2015). Studies also suggest that video game effects on aggression are minor compared to risk factors like family dynamics, peer influences, and socioeconomic status (Przybylski & Weinstein, 2019).

Empathy—the ability to understand and share feelings—is crucial to........

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