Are you a parent? Did you buy an M-rated (or PEGI 16) game for your child? Do you live in the UK?

If you answered “yes” to all of those, then someone thinks you should be put in prison.

Responding to changes in the rating system for games in the UK, Dr. Nick Robinson of the School of Politics and International Studies at the University of Leeds said that such measures weren’t enough to keep mature video games out of the hands of children and that the only alternative is to hold responsible those who directly put those games in their hands: the parents.

“To really begin to sort this issue, the state would have to be prepared to prosecute parents who purchase and allow their children to play inappropriate games.”

Dr. Robinson takes a shot or two at the manufacturers of mature games as well, saying that rating systems “legitimized the growth of more violent games as developers are shielded by the ratings framework.”

Most of us would probably agree that step is a little too severe. But what, if anything, should be done about mature games finding their ways into the hands of kids? If parental education and guidance isn’t enough, is there another solution?

Video: http://www.viddler.com/v/ab1ec351

http://www.gamebreaker.tv/pc-games/arrested-developers/

I would support this especially for Call of Duty.

He sounds about as credible as another Dr. Nick.

Dont worry kids companies like rockstar is working hard to make sure only 19% of you becomes serial killers

I really see nothing wrong with letting kids play M rated games or watching R rated movies. Honestly, what are the negative consequences of allowing children access to these things?

Just what we need, more government controlling us and telling us what we can and cannot enjoy in our free time that's completely harmless to others. =)

and parents who let their kids watch scary movies should be put to death.

*gulp*

In ten years or so digital distribution will make this all obsolete anyway.

And remember that there are many more influential people out there who think violent video games should be banned altogether so stop worrying over the opinion of one person pursuing their own selfish agenda.

Most studies into the affect of violent video games are their to find a link not if a link exist in the first place.

And giving the state the power to control what parents allow their children to see is a dangerous amount of power to give them as if implemented for video games they will have to do it for movies, television, the Internet and more.

I am sick and tired of people blaming violent video games for problems in society.

We have bigger things to worry about the are ACTUAL PROBLEMS

That's it! UK wants Assange to exchange him for d21lewis!

The article says 'arrest' and 'prosecute', nowhere does it suggest that imprisonment should be the punishment.

Regardless, no. He makes the assumption that a regulatory body that are tasked with coming up with a one-sized-fits-all rating system should have authority to determine and enforce what my children can and can't play or watch under my supervision........i don't think so.