All for the protection of the mental health of French children and adolescents.
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French President Emmanuel Macron discussed a potential ban on violent video games during an interview with Brut. He explained that an attraction to such games can lead to the normalization of violence and ultimately push young people to commit crimes. “When [gamers] spend 5-6 hours a day killing people and constantly acting within a logic of violence, it is obvious that at some point it affects them. Therefore, when they go outside or are in class and get angry about something, they completely lose control and sometimes commit the most terrible acts,” Macron stated (text translated via Google Translate). Macron emphasized that video games themselves are not inherently bad. Moreover, there are many beneficial projects through which skills can be developed or new things learned. The issue lies with those video games that promote violence, cause addiction, and generally negatively affect the psyche. Soon, France's National Council on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology, along with independent experts, will conduct a study focused on violent video games. Its aim is to “scientifically assess the impact on children and adolescents.” The results of the study are expected to be ready around May or June, and based on these, French authorities will decide what actions to take regarding the games. It should be noted that this is not the first time the French President has spoken out against violent video games. Previously, he blamed them for part of the protests and mass riots that took place in the country during the summer of 2023. However, Macron later clarified that he was misunderstood and actually criticized the violence itself, not the games.