By
Anna Hodgekiss
11:57 EST, 20 February 2014
|
13:12 EST, 20 February 2014
A ‘violence’ gene turns some children into video game ‘junkies’ – and could also be linked to ADHD.
Young people who played more violent video games and watched more brutal TV shows shared a particular gene, research has found.
The study involved more than 1,600 Dutch parents of children aged five to nine.
Link: Young people who played more violent video games and watched more brutal TV shows shared a particular gene, researchers found
Parents recorded how much violent media children were exposed to and researchers took DNA samples of children at birth.
They found that children with the particular gene variant were far more likely to watch violent TV shows and play games such as Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty.
Previous studies have shown that children are in part influenced by what their parents watch.
However, this is the first study to look at the possible genetic influence of what children choose to watch.
Experts believe a variation in a serotonin transporter gene may cause children to enjoy violent media.
And the same children have a higher likelihood of suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Dr Sanne Nikkelen, from the University of Amsterdam, said: ‘Our results indicate that children’s violent media use is partly influenced by genetic factors.
‘This could mean that children with this gene variant are more likely to seek out stimulating activities, such as violent television viewing and video game playing.
‘It is important to study the relationship between media use and ADHD-related behaviours.
Previous research has found that children with an autism spectrum disorder or ADHD are at an increased risk of gaming addictions
‘This is because children who show increased ADHD-related behaviours often face peer and academic difficulties and are at increased risk for substance abuse.
‘Examining factors that may contribute to the development of these behaviours is essential.’
Last year, researchers at the University of Missouri found that children with an autism spectrum disorder spend about twice as much time playing video games as those who do not have a developmental disability.
Researchers also found that children with an autism spectrum disorder or ADHD are at an increased risk of gaming addictions, compared to children without the disabilities.
‘What we found is that it looks like addictive gaming is largely driven by inattention,’ researcher Christopher Engelhardt said.
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Dr Hans Reinhardt,
London, United Kingdom,
7 minutes ago
Now they’ve discovered the violence gene, they’ll me looking to override it with an implanted pu$$y gene, to make us all submissive.
Nick,
Lincoln, United Kingdom,
26 minutes ago
More twaddle from a bunch of lefties
Marki,
London, United Kingdom,
43 minutes ago
What about non-violent games that people get addicted to? What about gambling? That’s not violent, or is there a different gambling addiction gene?
The English Man 1956,
Brighton, United Kingdom,
58 minutes ago
ANY THING AND EVERYTHING MAKES KIDS GET SO CALLED ADHD! ANOTHER BENEFIT THATS ALL. BRING ON THE REDS FOR THIS ONE.
OCaptainMyCaptain,
Far away from Poor people, Christmas Island,
1 hour ago
ADHD doesn’t exist if you bring your child up correctly.
George Smith,
Belfast, United Kingdom,
13 minutes ago
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