• Safety Tips:
• Community Safety:The Video-Game Industry - No Longer Child's Play?
• Kid's Safety:Holiday Travel

Community Safety:

Since the introduction of "Pong" in the 1970's, the video game industry has undergone a significant transformation. And while there is still a great deal of debate concerning the overall state of the industry, it is clear that the number of violent and sexually explicit games on the market is growing. Today's games include realistic images of violence and murder, and in some cases, players are rewarded with points for engaging in game activities that involve prostitution, theft and physical violence. In fact, in one study done by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) during 2004, 12% of video games carried the board's "M" rating, meaning the material in the game was deemed inappropriate for children under the age of 17. Given the fact that the technology behind these games is constantly changing and improving, it is fairly certain that this trend will continue.

As a result, just about anyone who has teenage children or those considered to be tweens (children between the ages of 9 and 12) has probably at one time or another struggled with the decision to buy a specific video game for their child. Until the 1994 introduction of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), however, it was difficult for parents to know whether the games they selected for their children contained violent or sexually explicit material. As a result, they were often mislead by their child's insistence that the game was "fine" and did not contain violent or sexually provocative material. Clearly a better solution was needed and so the ESRB devised a rating system to help guide parents in the selection process. Similar to the rating system that has long been used in the motion-picture industry, the ESRB system assigns a rating to each game based on its age-appropriateness. In addition, the system uses a series of specific content descriptors which attempt to provide consumers with an indication of the elements contained within the game. For a list of the different ratings and descriptors, you can visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board website at www.esrb.org.

While this rating system is certainly been a good first-step toward ensuring overtly violent or sexually provocative games do not get into the hands of young children, it is far from fool-proof. In fact, recent studies have shown that the ESRB rating system does not provide adequate assurance that violent or sexually explicit video games will not be sold to young children. In a recent investigative report done by ABC News, two boys (aged 14 and 16) were able to easily purchase an "M"-rated game (games intended for those over age 17). Clearly, in order for the rating system to be effective, the retail industry needs to do their part to ensure that the games are sold to the appropriate age groups. While this has already been recognized in many states, many are finding it difficult to pass legislation that will restrict video games sales. Fortunately, however, it seems as if California has been successful; beginning in January of 2006, it will be illegal for retailers in that state to sell violent video games to children under the age of 18.

And, while the combination of the ESRB rating system and increased retailer vigilance will certainly go a long way in protecting children from the images portrayed in these games, parental involvement in a childí game selection is also a critical element. But what about the savvy teen who will enlist the help of an older friend to procure the illicit games? Fortunately, the industry seems to have thought of this as several manufacturers have installed components in the new game consol models which will effectively allow parents to prevent their children from playing inappropriate games.

Until there is federal legislation enacted that will protect children from the violent images contained in some of these games, parents should remain aware of which games their children are playing. If your child asks for a specific game, be sure to investigate it before agreeing to buy or letting your child purchase it.

Kid's Safety

With the holidays just around the corner, people all over the country will take to the skies, rails and roads to visit family members and friends. Many of these travelers will be children who for a variety of reasons, will be making the trip by themselves. To help ensure they reach their destination safely, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has prepared booklets which outline the rules for children traveling unaccompanied by airplane, train and bus. The booklets are free and can be downloaded at the Centerss website: www.missingkids.com.

This newsletter was created for Fingerprint America. All rights reserved. Reprint with permission only.