. f you rockafeller f you!


A proposed bill could lead to a study of the role of violence in video games. In the wake of the recent shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, West Virginia senator Jay Rockefeller has proposed a bill to study “the impact of violent content, including video games and video programming, on children.”

In a statement posted to his site, Rockefeller wrote “This week, we are all focused on protecting our children. At times like this, we need to take a comprehensive look at all the ways we can keep our kids safe. I have long expressed concern about the impact of the violent content our kids see and interact with every day. As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, I have introduced legislation to direct the National Academy of Sciences to investigate the impact of violent video games and other content on children’s well-being.”

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...to investigate the impact of violent video games and other content on children’s well-being.

Under the bill, the National Academy of Sciences “would be directed to conduct a comprehensive study and investigation of the connection between violent video games and violent video programming and harmful effects on children.” The NAS would also “examine whether violent video games/programming cause kids to act aggressively or otherwise hurt their wellbeing, and whether that effect is distinguishable from other types of media” and look at “the direct and long-lasting impact of violent content on a child’s well-being.”

Specifically, the NAS would look at whether the interactive nature of video games and the “vivid way violence is portrayed” have a “unique impact on kids.” The NAS would submit a report to Congress, the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission within an 18 month period.

“Recent court decisions demonstrate that some people still do not get it,” Rockefeller wrote. “They believe that violent video games are no more dangerous to young minds than classic literature or Saturday morning cartoons. Parents, pediatricians, and psychologists know better. These court decisions show we need to do more and explore ways Congress can lay additional groundwork on this issue. This report will be a critical resource in this process. I call on my colleagues to join to me in passing this important legislation quickly.”

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You can count on the Congress to take a more aggressive role.

Rockefeller also noted plans to call upon the FCC and FTC to “expand their work in this area.” While the FTC has reviewed game ratings in the past and the FCC has studied “the impact of violent programming on children,” Rockefeller notes that new technology (presumably including digital downloads of games) allows children “to access violent content on-line with less parental involvement” and “it is time for these two agencies to take a fresh look at these issues.”

“Major corporations, including the video game industry, make billions on marketing and selling violent content to children,” Rockefeller concludes. “They have a responsibility to protect our children. If they do not, you can count on the Congress to take a more aggressive role.”



http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/12/21/senator-proposes-bill-to-study-violence-in-games?abthid=50d3bacc32f72b3526000011