In addition to the filth children are exposed to on television and in the movies, there is another most serious problem that affects children, and that involves video games. Three states, Illinois, Michigan, and California, in 2005 signed into law bills that would prohibit the sale of violent video games to children. Similar bills were recently introduced in the Maryland and Indiana state legislatures. I am told that Florida and Missouri are also currently considering similar bans. I am hopeful that Alabama will soon join the ranks. Over the past year, the Parents Television Council (PTC) has intensified its efforts to increase public awareness of the impact violent video games have on children. Working with their 35 grassroots chapters across the country, the PTC has called on local city, county, and state lawmakers to make restricting the sale of violent video games to children a high priority. Violent video game legislation has been passed by some states. As noted above Michigan, Illinois, and California have passed new laws. Also federal legislation is being considered in Congress.

The industry’s so-called self-solution is an abysmal failure, as studies repeatedly prove that small children can easily purchase adult-oriented games. In addition, medical research at Indiana University and Michigan State University shows that exposure to violent video games causes changes in a child’s brain that are consistent with aggressive thoughts and actions. Millions of Americans recognize that this type of legislation would protect children from gaining access to violent video games. It’s a measure that parents can wholeheartedly approve. The billion-dollar video game industry will oppose this type legislation for selfish financially-motivated reasons, but they are certainly not looking out for our children. The time has come to take a stand on this issue. Contact your local political leaders and also your members of Congress and ask them to get behind this effort to protect our children.

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