Originally posted by Ann
RICHARD, I honestly don't see the connection. Just cause he was trying to rob a video store doesn't mean he was influenced by videogames!
I think that there is a connection.. how else might a kid like that know how to cover himself up and point a gun, were it not for violent media (be it videogames, TV, etc)?

I don't think that videogames and other media (I really think they all go together) CAUSE violence - BUT if a child's primary babysitter is a TV and assorted peripherals then I think there is a problem. As long as kids are taught that it's fake, then I don't see it as a problem. However I don't think parents/guardians/caretakers enter into those conversations enough with kids. When I did day care I saw kids acting out violent TV shows until I talked to them about it and explained how it all worked. Then I also made rules about how it was NOT ok to Power Ranger kick their playmate in the jaw.