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KIDS STILL AT RISK FROM ADULT VIDEO GAMES
 The
PTC is proud to announce the results of its
latest "secret shopper" campaign to
determine whether or not video game retail
outlets are adhering to the video game
industry's guidelines, and refusing to sell
M-rated video games to unaccompanied minor
children.
PTC activists
conducted 109 visits to local stores in 14
markets in 11 states: California, Colorado,
Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Mississippi,
Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and
Virginia. During each visit, a youth between
the ages of 12 and 16 attempted to purchase
an M-rated video game. They were instructed
not to lie or misrepresent themselves in any
way.
Out of the 109 stores visited, 21 sold
M-rated games to minors -- a 19% failure
rate by the video game retailers. While this
is an improvement by all but two chains over
the PTC’s previous “secret shopper” campaign
in 2008, it is hardly the level of
compliance parents should expect from an
industry that touts its ratings system as a
solution. In 2008, a survey by the
Federal Trade Commission found that
"20% of underage teenage shoppers were able
to buy M-rated video games." Thus,
compliance with ESRB guidelines -- even by
the ESRB's own Retail Partners -- has hardly
improved in two years.
Chain stores which are ESRB Retail Partners
are listed by name. Other stores are
considered local/regional chains. Results
are listed next to the results of the PTC's
2008 campaign. |
With such an
abysmal performance rate by the video game
retailers, it is no wonder that statehouses
around the country have passed legislation
on this issue. Most measures would simply
impose a financial consequence on retailers
who fail to abide by the industry’s own
guidelines.
In 2005, an outpouring of support from the
Parents Television Council's members in
California helped to revive a stalled bill
in Sacramento that was eventually passed and
signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger.
This commonsense measure was immediately
challenged in court by the
multi-billion-dollar video game industry,
and has gone through a succession of
appeals. On November 2, the U.S. Supreme
Court will hear the case. We will monitor
the case closely and will inform you about
any developments.
We urge you and all PTC members – as well as
all concerned parents and grandparents
across America – to speak up on this issue.
When you are shopping at retail outlets that
sell mature-rated games, ask sales clerks
and store managers whether they are
enforcing the age limitations when they sell
adult products to children who may be
underage. Tell the store manager that this
is an important issue to you, and urge them
to comply. And vote with your wallets!
Reward stores that successfully protect
children from harmful and explicit
entertainment products.
Please also take a moment to help the PTC
engage in more secret shopper campaigns, and
to help the PTC with its research, education
and advocacy efforts by clicking below on
the green donation button. Every penny you
give is tax-deductible. And remember: the
PTC does not receive a penny from the
government. We are only able to do our vital
work thanks to the generous support of our
members like you.
And finally, please forward this message to
everyone who shares your values on this
important issue.
Thank you! |
