State Measure to Prohibit Sale of Graphic Games to Children Helps Parents

LOS ANGELES (September 11, 2007) – The Parents Television Council, together with its six California grassroots chapters, applauded California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for appealing District Judge Ronald Whyte’s ruling that overturned the popular violent video game legislation.

“Parents should be involved in any decision to purchase a violent or sexually explicit video game rated M or AO,” said Tim Winter, president of the PTC.  “Video game companies claim they want to keep adult-oriented games out of the hands of children yet they have failed to do so.  And when California and other states attempted to put the control back into the hands of parents, the video game industry filed a lawsuit to prevent it.  The industry has exposed its desire to take a child’s money rather than to enable parents.  It is time to put some teeth behind the industry’s so-called self-solution.”

“Studies repeatedly prove that small children can easily purchase adult-oriented games.  In addition, medical research at Indiana University and Michigan State University, among others, shows that these games can cause damage to a child’s brain. Many parents are unaware of what they are purchasing and will be thankful for the assistance this bill would offer.  Governor Schwarzenegger is taking a stand for parents across the country who have supported state laws just like California’s AB 1179 only to be disappointed by overzealous judges,” Winter concluded.

Working together with its 44 chapters across the country, the PTC will continue to raise public awareness as to the harmful impacts of violent video games on children.