UK Educators Go After Parents Who Allow Kids To Play Violent Videogames

Parents who allow young children to play or have access to such unsuitable videogames as Call Of Duty, Dogs Of War and Grand Theft Auto could be reported for neglect.

The Nantwich Education Partnership, made up of 15 primary schools and one secondary academy in Cheshire, England, issued a letter last month after children reported playing or watching adult-themed games, according to local news.

The letter stated that "several children have reported playing or watching adults play games which are inappropriate for their age and they have described the levels of violence and sexual content they have witnessed..." The teachers said they believe access to adult content can increase "early sexualized behaviors" and leave children "vulnerable to grooming for sexual exploitation or extreme violence."

The teachers group said its warning was in line with local authority policy and it will report neglect if it learns a child is allowed access to any game or associated product intended for ages 18 or older.

Read more at the Mirror Online.

Separately, in Ireland, a high-level police officer is recommending a new age rating for "violent" videogames. Adam Simmonds, police and crime commissioner for Northamptonshire, said that games which depict such explicit content as torture and murder should have an "adult only" rating certificate in order to protect children.

The UK videogame industry is estimated to be worth more than £1 billion. The industry uses the Pan European Game Information rating system to publish ratings and reasons for them on product packaging. However, Simmonds suggests that titles in which players participate in extreme acts of violence should be given an AO rating.

See full story in the Irish Examiner.