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Parents Television Council - Because Our Children Are Watching

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2005

 

PTC Statement on Sen. Clinton's Violent Video Games Announcement

The following is a statement by Tim Winter, executive director of the Parents Television Council (PTC), on Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's (D-N.Y.) announcement today that she will introduce legislation intended to curb the sale of violent video games to minors:

"We applaud Senator Clinton on her announcement today that she intends to introduce legislation that would institute a fine of $5,000 to retailers for those who sell violent and sexually explicit video games to minors.

"The medical evidence continues to mount, documenting the harm such extremely graphic material can have on children. And the industry's attempt at self-regulation has been proven to be ineffective. The PTC recently undertook a ‘mystery shopper' campaign to test retailers' voluntary age restrictions on video game purchases, and found that roughly half the time young children were able to purchase mature-rated games with no proof of age. The PTC's findings corroborate those of the Federal Trade Commission, which in 2000 found that an overwhelming number of underage shoppers were able to buy mature rated games.

"Senator Clinton's initiative resembles state legislation supported by PTC earlier this year in California, which would have restricted the sale of extremely violent games to minors in the Golden State. Nothing in that measure would have restricted adults from purchasing these ultra-violent games, nor would it have prohibited parents from buying these games for their children. Unfortunately the California legislation received a relentless attack from special interest groups with a vested economic interest in seeing that measure fail, which it did."

"The PTC applauds Senator Clinton's efforts, as well as those of Congressman Joe Baca (D-CA) who has also taken a firm stance on this issue. Given the pervasive use of the medium and the demonstrated ill effects on young children, the PTC fully supports measures aimed at curbing the unfettered availability of graphic video games to minors."

The Parents Television Council™ (www.parentstv.org®) is a non-partisan education organization advocating responsible entertainment. It was founded in 1995 to ensure that children are not constantly assaulted by sex, violence and profanity on television and in other media. This national grassroots organization has over one million members across the United States, and works with television producers, broadcasters, networks and sponsors in an effort to stem the flow of harmful and negative messages targeted to children. The PTC also works with elected and appointed government officials to enforce broadcast decency standards. Most importantly, the PTC produces critical research and publications documenting the dramatic increase in sex, violence and profanity in entertainment. This information is provided free of charge so parents can make informed viewing choices for their own families.

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