Legislation classification for the Nation

Legislation classification for the Nation

In the United Kingdom there are a few problems to do age ratings of games and people abiding them.

Children such as young as even 6 are able to play titles that are aimed to be played by 18 and over. I believe this is morally quite wrong and should be nipped in the bud now rather than later, Game ratings are there to be abided because it stops children from viewing inappropriate material.

Children are obtaining these materials by getting there parents to buy the products for them, usually because the parents are lead to believe the ratings on the boxes are 'difficulty' of the game.

I believe that the current system (PEGI) works however I think it could enforced with the aid of parents and retailers and this can be stopped taking a leap out of other examples of age restriction. Alcohol in the UK cannot be purchased by minors and requires ID to be purchased if the buyer looks under 21, however for this to work employees at game stores need to be trained to asked parents who they are purchased the game for (making sure it’s not for a minor)

If parents/people buying games for minors are found guilty they face up-to a £6000 fine and a possible 6 month jail sentence I think this information should also be easily found in shops and retailers. That way the number of people buying games for minors would dramatically decrease.

Here are a few tips for parents quoted from the PEGI website:

• Always look for the age classification on the package of a game or via the search engine on this website.

• Try to look for a summary or review of the game content or ideally play the game yourself first.

• Play video games with your children, watch over them when they play and talk about it. Explain why certain games are not suitable.

• Be aware that online games sometimes enable the download of extra software that can alter the game content and eventually the age classification of the game.

• Online games are usually played in virtual communities requiring players to interact with unknown fellow players. Tell your children not to give out personal details and report inappropriate behavior.