Kids think games do make them more violent
Broadcasting regulator OFCOM has conducted a survey in the UK about violence in video games.
The survey has found that most children believe violent computer games do lead to aggressive behaviour, a hot topic again following GTA IVs release, which smashed the first week sales record in the UK and of course revolves around Nico Belic's rise in the criminal world of Libery City.
According to the survey 2 thirds of those surveyed between 12 and 15 years old said that violence in games had a bigger impact on behaviour than violence in television or films. Although given an 18 rating, parenting groups have expressed concern that the game will fall into the hands of younger children.
I dont think we can claim games have no impact on the behaviour kids or even adults any more and very violent and emotive games almost certainly have an impact or varying degrees and sorts in some people.
The answer? Parents need to realise that a game is rated 18 for a reason. Most parents wouldn't let their kids watch an 18 rated film but seem to view an 18 certificate game less seriously. Two things will help to fix this situation and one of them isn't for developers to stop making games like GTA IV. Firstly parents need to take the rating of games more seriously and not let their children play these games. Maybe parenting groups can start getting on the back of parents who disregard age certificates rather than on the back of the games industry.
Secondly maybe the consoles themselves can be given the ability to not play games over a certain rating unless the player of the game can prove they're over 18. How this would be done I'm not sure but potentially when you buy a new or second hand console you would register it with a central database along with proof of age like a photocopy of a driving license of passport. There are so many problems with a system like this but I think a solution like this is better than lobbying Rockstar Games to stop making groundbreaking new titles, violent or not.
