By Ben Spencer Teenagers who play violent computer games such as Grand Theft Auto are more likely to drink, smoke and have unprotected sex, psychologists have found. Games that glorify risky behaviour can encourage adolescents to become more rebellious and seek out thrills themselves, according to a new study. Scientists tracked 5,000 American teenagers for four years, and found a distinct correlation between the frequency that they played violent games and their behaviour. Teenagers who play violent computer games such as Grand Theft Auto (pictured) are more likely to drink, smoke and have unprotected sex, psychologists at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire have found
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This is according to a study of 5,000 US teenagers by Dartmouth College
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Other violent games linked by the scientists to deviant behaviour include Manhunt - a psychological horror video game - and Spiderman 2
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Teenage fans of games are more likely to smoke, drink and be aggressive
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Within 4 years, the study found behaviour included petty theft and fights
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Study says violent characters affect how teenagers think of themselves
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This, they believe, has consequences for their alter ego in the real world
@placeholder, a phenomenally successful game now in its fifth edition, involves stealing cars and driving at excessive speeds to evade police cars, with extra points for knocking over innocent bystanders or committing other crimes.