The Today show recently ran a segment showcasing Professor Craig Anderson's report on the effects that violent videogames have on youngsters. I do my best not to get too angry when shows like Today, Sunrise, A Current Affair or Today Tonight run segments geared towards informing parents of what their kids are 'really doing'. These stories are usually sensational and do nothing by piss me off before I've even had my morning coffee.

Having said that, I actually don't disagree with the some of Professor Anderon's findings and the segment itself. It's my personal opinion that any violent media does help to desensitise human beings, but the issue with children is easily circumvented by adhering to the game's rating. If parents enforced the ratings board's classification and kept harsh material away from young, growing minds then there wouldn't be a problem. Unfortunately, this does nothing to help we adults get our gore on.

I do object to statements such as 'Short term damage: An increase in the individual’s heart rate, which usually results in dominant behaviour.' While this is true, it's certainly associated with other more 'acceptable' activities such as competitive sport. But overall, I think it's good for parents to be aware that their 9 year olds shouldn't be playing Soldier of Fortune Uncut, just let poor 25 year old me play it.

Check out the story below and let us know what you think?

Read the full article and watch the segment here.

P.S. Check out the home page of The Today Show's website: http://today.ninemsn.com.au/default.aspx Sneaky little copycats!