Abstract
This study explores the impact of violent video games on juvenile delinquency among children and adolescents in Ahvaz Juvenile Correctional Center. It examines the relationships between independent variables—usage of violent video games, accessibility to such games, and education on proper usage—and the dependent variable, juvenile delinquency. Employing a descriptive-correlational design, the research utilized library studies and a researcher-developed questionnaire to gather data. Validity and reliability were confirmed through expert review and Cronbach's alpha tests. The sample consisted of 109 valid respondents from a population of 132 juveniles aged 12-18. Findings revealed a significant negative impact of proper education on delinquency, while easy access to violent games and excessive gaming had strong positive correlations with antisocial behaviors.
Keywords: Juvenile Delinquency, Violent Video Games, Antisocial Behavior, Parental Education, Video Game Accessibility
 
Introduction
In recent decades, media and technology have become integral to children's and adolescents' lives, with video games occupying a significant role due to their interactive and visually engaging nature. While video games offer cognitive and problem-solving benefits, concerns about their impact on social and behavioral development are growing. Violent video games, in particular, have drawn attention for potentially normalizing aggressive behaviors and fostering juvenile delinquency. Children in their formative years are especially susceptible to such influences, which can shape their social interactions and decision-making. This study investigates the correlation between violent video game use and delinquent behaviors, focusing on juveniles in Ahvaz’s correctional centers, where such issues have been prevalent.
 
 
Methods and Materials
This descriptive-correlational study aimed to identify and analyze the relationships between independent variables (violent video game usage, accessibility, and educational guidance) and the dependent variable (juvenile delinquency). Data collection involved a combination of library research for theoretical grounding and a custom-designed questionnaire for empirical validation. The questionnaire’s content validity was confirmed by experts, while reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, yielding satisfactory results across all constructs.
The study population included 132 juveniles aged 12-18, detained in Ahvaz correctional centers during the 2023-2024 period. Using Cochran's formula, a sample size of 109 valid responses was determined for analysis. Statistical tools, including regression analysis and Pearson’s correlation, were employed to explore the associations among variables.
 
Results and Discussion
Effect of Educational Guidance
Proper guidance on video game usage demonstrated a significant negative correlation with delinquent behaviors. Juveniles receiving appropriate parental and institutional education exhibited lower rates of aggression and antisocial tendencies. This finding aligns with theories suggesting that informed gaming habits foster emotional regulation and critical thinking, reducing susceptibility to violent content’s adverse effects.
Accessibility to Violent Video Games
Easy access to violent video games showed a strong positive correlation with juvenile delinquency. The study revealed that unrestricted exposure to such games not only normalizes violence but also diminishes empathy and social accountability. These results echo prior research underscoring the need for regulated access, particularly among vulnerable youth populations.
Excessive Gaming
Excessive time spent on video games was found to exacerbate antisocial and delinquent behaviors. Adolescents immersed in prolonged gaming sessions displayed heightened aggression and reduced social interactions. These findings resonate with existing literature highlighting the negative impact of prolonged exposure to violent content on behavioral and cognitive development.
Interplay of Factors
The combined analysis of independent variables—education, access, and usage intensity—accounted for 40% of the variance in juvenile delinquency. This indicates that while these factors significantly influence behaviors, additional variables, such as familial and socio-economic conditions, may also play a role.
 
Conclusion
This study underscores the importance of managing violent video game exposure to mitigate its impact on juvenile delinquency. Proper education for parents and children emerged as a critical intervention, highlighting the role of awareness in fostering responsible gaming habits. Conversely, unregulated access and excessive gaming correlated strongly with delinquent behaviors, emphasizing the need for stringent monitoring and policy enforcement. Policymakers, educators, and parents are urged to collaborate in developing frameworks that balance the cognitive benefits of gaming with safeguards against its potential harms.