Videogame Violence
Many parents, teachers, and politicians are attempting to ban the sale of violent videogames to children. According to the proponents of videogame censorship, the videogame industry is directly responsible for the recent violence in several American high schools. They claim that the only solution to this recent outbreak of violence is to censor videogames and restrict their sale to minors. Over the past several years, politicians such as Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) have proposed various pieces of legislation to restrict violence in videogames. In order to save lives and preserve a multi-billion dollar industry, such legislation must be prevented from becoming law.
In response to this proposed legislation, the videogame industry created a self-regulatory entity called the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Established in 1994, the purpose of the ESRB is to rate the content of videogames in order to help parents select software appropriate for their children.
Video Games
Video Games
Video GamesAlthough it helps parents make selections for their children, most states do not restrict the purchase of adult rated games to minors. Currently, St. Louis County is the only area enforcing such a law. The law requires a parent's permission before a minor can purchase a violent or sexually explicit game. The ESRB rating system is an excellent example of industry self-regulation and shows that the videogame industry is moving in the right direction. It provides parents with the necessary tools to determine which games are appropriate for their children.
The ESRB rating system is a good step to help parents raise their children. However, many politicians are promoting legislation that will ban violence from videogames altogether. Movies have a rating system, which has proved quite effective in protecting minors from violent content. This is a perfect example of why a rating system is the only action needed to properly...