President Obama Wants to Research Effects of Violent Video Games
President Obama gave a speech today that focusing on his plan to reduce gun violence.
And what does that mean for the world of video games? Well, he's set aside $10 million for the CDC to conduct research and investigate the relationship between video games and gun violence. During the speech, President Obama said, "Congress will fund research into the effects that violent video games have on young minds."
This is in addition to his plan to curtail gun violence by trying to keep guns out of dangerous hands, banning military-style assault weapons, making schools safe, and increasing access to mental health services.
These steps are in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy that took place a month ago, started a nationwide discussion about gun violence and what contributes to it. There have been voices heard all over the country, each with their own views.
Some organizations, like the NRA, are putting the blame on violent images from the media and video games. They also want to institute a program in which they'd station one armed guard in each school, as a way to protect students and staff, should the threat of a shooting arise.
A group in the town of Southington, Connecticut planned to get a discussion started between parents and their children, and offered gift certificates to anyone who turned in their violent media, such as movies or video games. The plan was to destroy the discs later on, but after they felt they accomplished their goal, they decided against it.
The CDC's video game research is expected to take place starting in 2014, so it will be some time until we see any findings. The topic of the links between violence in video games and violence in the real world is one that's brought up often, especially after tragedies, but the President's actions are for the greater good and seem to have the support of the gaming community.
According to Polygon, officials from the Entertainment Software Association said, "We concur with President Obama's call today for all Americans to do their part, and agree with the report's conclusion that 'the entertainment and video game industries have a responsibility to give parents tools and choices about the movies and programs their children watch and the games their children play."
With time, we'll see the effects of this plan. But in the meantime, check out the President's full plan here. And then let us know your thoughts in the comments below.