Do violent online games automatically produce aggressive behavior in children?

In the aftermath of the Tacloban school shooting on June 22, where two minors, 14 and 15, killed three and wounded 20, authorities have renewed focus on the connection between violent online games and children's behavior.

Police findings showed one suspect regularly played GoreBox, a "visually violent" game that the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center temporarily blocked in the Philippines within days of the tragedy, and had intensified its monitoring of online activities involving similar platforms.

During a press briefing on Thursday, Interior secretary Jonvic Remulla added his call for a permanent ban on GoreBox and similar games.

"[These games] desensitize young people into the elements of death, elements of violence, and elements of murder," he said, urging Congress to study the matter. 

To further look into the matter, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, chair of the committee on women and children, invited German developer Felix Filip to a July 1 Senate hearing. The German developer, however, declined via email, stating, “I am an independent game developer based in Germany. After careful consideration, I must respectfully decline the invitation to appear at the hearing on 1 July 2026, whether in person or via Zoom."

Hontiveros criticized the refusal, stating that any developer operating in the country must respect local laws.

"Hindi natin sinasabing isang laro lang ang dahilan ng trahedyang ito. Pero kung may online environment na maaaring naging bahagi ng pagkakalantad ng mga bata sa karahasan, tungkulin nating siyasatin iyon," she said.

 Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. warned of potential copycats, noting that media content can normalize violence and risk imitation.

"While violent behavior is driven by multiple factors," Nartatez said, "we cannot ignore the possibility [of imitation]." Psychologist Jan Patrick Magpantay countered, however, cautioning against the reductive theory that "games cause violence."

What are the experts saying?

Experts remain divided on the direct impact of these platforms. In an interview with ANC, CICC Undersecretary Renato "Aboy" Paraiso maintained the two suspects in the Tacloban shooting incident "were radicalized using the game." He said by regularly playing GoreBox, the teenagers got used to the goriness, "sa pagiging masyadong bayolente."

According to Paraiso, the game, which he said uses simple, colorful graphics meant to attract children specifically, conditions players so "they get used to the violence, to the effects of a gunshot wound."

On the other hand, cybersecurity analyst Art Samaniego argued there is no proven connection, citing an Oxford Internet Institute study that found no link between teenagers' aggressive behavior and the time spent on aggressive games.

"Walang study na nagpapatunay na 'yung games nakakaapekto sa real-life behavior nung gamer," Samaniego told DZMM Teleradyo, attributing aggression to external factors like bullying, mental health, or an unhealthy family environment.

Similarly, Emilio Aguinaldo College psychology professor Dr. Justine Chavez told Bilyonaryo News Channel, "If you'll be playing violent games, it doesn't mean that you'll also be violent."

"Kailangan magkaroon ng clear limitations na hindi ganu'n ang description ng individuals [who play violent online games]," he added.

The nuanced effects of violent online games

Academic research highlights a more nuanced reality, showing that the effects depend heavily on context. A 2023 psychology thesis on Animo Repository surveyed 277 Filipino gamers and social media users, linking online toxicity directly to compromised psychological well-being, proving that in-game hostility causes real-world emotional distress.

Magpantay explained to PhilSTAR L!fe that frequent exposure to violent content may increase irritability and impulsivity, "especially in children who are already struggling with emotional regulation, stress, trauma, bullying, family conflict, or lack of supervision."

Psychologist Wenna Brigaste told L!fe young people who spend excessive amounts of time playing violent games may also display difficulty in social skills and prefer social isolation.

"There are research [papers] that suggest prolonged exposure to violent video games may increase aggressive thoughts...in certain children," she added, "although findings are mixed and depend on many factors."

Additionally, a 2024 study published in KnE Social Sciences focused on student gamers in Davao del Sur. It found that the respondents, especially the male students, displayed lower levels of aggression and higher self-control.

"This indicates a need to reconsider the common perception of the negative impacts of violent video gaming, emphasizing the importance of context and individual differences in understanding these effects," wrote the study's authors.

Furthermore, a paper published on Academia studied two players of violent video games, one an adolescent and the other a young working adult. According to the study, "aggression observed is not extraordinarily serious." It said the "negative effects of playing [violent video games] were not confined to aggression but included other socioemotional problems, reflecting the potential negative effects of excessive digital gameplay in general."

What parents can do

Playing violent online games may "not directly and automatically result in children becoming violent," Brigaste said. She added findings "depend on many factors."

CICC's Paraiso acknowledged that the problem requires a "whole of society approach." Along with calls for schools to include online safety and the proper use of the internet to their curricula, parents also have a role to play in establishing a secure and nurturing home environment for their children, which can minimize the influence of online games.

To mitigate the pull of online gaming, experts and psychologists suggest several practical steps for households. Magpantay said adults can set clear limits in terms of screen time for children, especially during meals, homework time, and late at night. Aside from using online parental controls, parents must also know what their kids are playing online, and, when possible, choose age-appropriate games.

Learning emotional regulation is vital for kids to overcome the pull of violent games.

"Encourage deep breathing, taking breaks, and talking about frustrations," suggested Magpantay. "Help them recognize when they are getting angry."

Equally important, he said, is to "balance gaming with real-life activities." Allow them physical activity and enough sleep and family time. Help them foster offline friendships and hobbies, and further motivate them when they prioritize school responsibilities.

As a preventive measure, parents must watch for warning signs, as well. Magpantay said these may manifest in children's behavior through frequent aggressive outbursts, declining grades, social withdrawal, poor sleep, persistent irritability when not gaming, and loss of interest in other activities.

According to Brigaste, it's crucial for parents to give "proper guidance" to make sure their children "learn to differentiate games and online systems [from] reality. Exposure to violent games needs to be limited or moderated so as to not impact development."

Numerous factors contribute to a child's aggressive behavior, not just playing violent games. Aside from monitoring and regulating online gaming, Magpantay suggested we also "consider factors such as parenting style, school environment, peer influence, online culture, and the amount of time spent gaming."