Despite claims by game violence critics and some law enforcement personnel, video games like Grand Theft Auto IV are not motivating youthful players to join gangs.

According to the Edmonton Metro, gang expert Michael Chettleburgh says the video game controversy is over-hyped:

If you actually go out and talk to young gang members about the top 10 reasons why they joined a gang, you will never hear them talk about the influences of hip hop, video games or media.

It’s just not a primary driver of why kids join gangs.

Chettleburgh is the author of Young Thugs: Inside the Dangerous World of Canadian Street Gangs.

Via: Next Generation