Nearly three-fifths of adult Americans believe that video games contribute to violent behaviour in teenagers, according to a Harris Poll survey.

As reported by Gamesbeat, for the independent research Harris interviewed 2,278 American adults and 58 per cent pointed to gaming as a cause of violence.

On top of that, 38 per cent knew nothing about the Electronic Software Rating Board’s (ESRB) game labelling system, and 33 per cent let their children play whatever they want.

“The findings underscore the lack of awareness Americans have about the video game rating system, as well as the confusion in the market,” said Harris Poll president Mike de Vere.

“They also factor into a larger discussion playing out across our country and on a political stage around how violent games impact our youth, with President Obama recently announcing his desire to look into ways to fund research examining the impact of violent video games on children.”

Only 32 per cent of those surveyed believed that the ESRB rating system kept restricted games out of the hands of minors, compared to 49 per cent for movie rating systems and 39 per cent for TV.

However, recent Federal Trade Commission studies reveal that the games industry is better at enforcing its age-rating system than other entertainment industries.