Cigarettes, Alcohol…and now Video Games on the naughty ‘health warning’ list
Cigarettes, alcohol…and now video games? It seems as though the attack on video games has taken a turn against gaming lovers as a United States representative, Joe Baca, called for video games to start carrying health warnings.
If Baca gets his way, we will start seeing games coming out with labels on them stating, “WARNING: Excessive exposure to violent video games and other violent media has been linked to aggressive behaviour.” Doesn’t really get you excited about having a few hours of gaming fun, does it?
Baca wrote in a press release that he had every right to request such health warnings on the video games as the games have been linked with many violent acts over the years.
“The video game industry has a responsibility to parents, families, and to consumers–to inform them of the potentially damaging content that is often found in their products. They have repeatedly failed to live up to this responsibility. Meanwhile, research continues to show a proven link between playing violent games and increased aggression in young people. American families deserve to know the truth about these potentially dangerous products,” wrote Baca in the press release.
“We must hold the video game industry accountable and do everything in our power to ensure parents are aware of the detrimental effects that violent games can have before making decisions on which games are appropriate for their children to play,” continued Baca. “I am proud to introduce the Video Game Health Labelling Act of 2009, and am hopeful my legislation can work to stop the growing influence of violent media on America’s children and youth.”
Most people are throwing their arms in the air over the matter, claiming that video games are just video games and should not be labelled under the same tag as cigarettes and alcohol, for example. However, some are claiming that the move would be a good one and one that could even go on to help the gaming industry.
Still many are claiming that there is still no connection between video games and aggression, although no one will be forgetting the Jamie Bulger case that was connected so strongly with the movie industry. Baca however cited a number of recent studies that didn’t look favourable on the gaming industry.
However, Baca is remaining positive on the matter, saying, “I am proud to introduce the Video Game Health Labelling Act of 2009, and am hopeful my legislation can work to stop the growing influence of violent media on America’s children and youth.” It’s clear that Baca doesn’t want to make any friends in the gaming industry, either players or developers.
Baca has cited the studies that have been made by the University of Indiana, University of Missouri, Paediatrics Journal and Michigan State University, which all claim that they have indeed found a link between video games and violence in young children and teenagers. Although many gamers don’t want to admit defeat it seems they may not have a choice.
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