NZ Parents: Don't Let Johnny Play Video Games - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Glory's Sun · 03-07-2009, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Parents who give their underage children access to violent video games should be prosecuted to serve as "shock value" to other families, says chief censor Bill Hastings.

Laws around video games were "an even stricter regime than alcohol", because if an adult gives a child aged under 18 access to a restricted video game even in their own home they are breaking the law, he said.

Mr Hastings told The Dominion Post yesterday that if someone was caught knowingly allowing a child access to restricted video games such as the R-18 Grand Theft Auto series they could be punished by up to three months' imprisonment or a fine of up to $10,000.

"They might think the offence is silly, but it ain't".

No-one had yet been prosecuted under the law, but Mr Hastings said there could be merit in a parent being charged.

"That's what the law says, but . . . you're not going to have police officers in every bedroom ... There would certainly be some shock value to prosecuting a parent who gives their under-18 child access to a restricted game. It would send out a message that the enforcement agency means business."

Mr Hastings said studies had shown that repeated exposure to violence and sexual violence had an adverse effect on attitude, and it was important that parents realised some games were created for adults not children.

"I think the word 'game' can mislead people for sure. It's not checkers.

"For the first time in history, kids are more savvy with technology than parents ... parents need to get up to speed on the digital divide. They need to look at what their kids are playing and doing," he said.

"The fear of getting caught shouldn't be the motivating factor for you obeying the laws.

"It should be the pleasure in being able to sleep at night knowing that you have done the right thing by your kids. That should be the motivating factor."

Mr Hastings said video-game makers appeared to be steering away from extreme graphic sadism, as seen in the first video game to be banned in New Zealand, Manhunt.

Players of Manhunt take on the role of a character and gain points depending on the level of violence used to kill opponents, who are suffocated, repeatedly beaten, slashed, stabbed and decapitated.

Mr Hastings said parents were often hampered in educating themselves about video-game ratings because of out-of-date legislation, which meant many titles slipped onto New Zealand shelves without a rating.

Although all films and DVDs must be rated, electronic games such as those played on PlayStation or Xbox consoles do not need to go through the classification process unless they have objectionable material, he said.

Mr Hastings said he intended to ask the Internal Affairs Ministry to repeal parts of the Films, Videos and Publications Classification Act, drafted in 1993, so that all video games receive classification.

Internal Affairs Minister Richard Worth said he provisionally supported the chief censor's view.

Now I'm sure we will have many different view points on this. We have plenty of gamers and parents on the board.

I think that parents should be parents. Most parents let their kids coma out in front of the television and they don't enforce anything. If little johnny is playing a shoot-em up game, then the parents should make sure the child knows the difference between reality and the video game world. No parent wants to have the in depth talk about death with their children, but if the kid is sitting in front of a game that involves death they should be explaining it.

My question mainly surrounds the issue of is this the government taking too much control.. or is this the right thing to do in order to "protect" our children. Do violent video games really cause that much damage to a child that it would turn them into monsters?

dksuddeth · 03-07-2009, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guccilvr

My question mainly surrounds the issue of is this the government taking too much control.. or is this the right thing to do in order to "protect" our children. Do violent video games really cause that much damage to a child that it would turn them into monsters?

most countries are way beyond the point of the government taking too much control. The government should NEVER be involved in legislating or regulating how parents raise their children. Doing so has been the major factor in why we have the society of youth today that we have.

braisler · 03-07-2009, 05:36 AM

I think that kids are smarter than people give them credit for... most kids anyway. Yes, exposure to sex and violence changes perspectives, perhaps more so at a younger age. I think that if most parents sat their kid down with the video game in question on in the background and asked if they knew the difference between the video game and reality and that it is not ok to hurt people in real-life, the response would be something along the lines of, 'Yeah, Duh!'

No, government slapping a rating on a video game is not going to solve the problem. The government should stay out of parenting. It is never going to do a good job because every family is different, every child is different. I do think that parents should be aware of what their own kids are exposed to. But the decision of what to do with video game or TV exposure should rest with the parents alone.

william · 03-07-2009, 06:31 AM

The biggest influence on a child is his/her parents. And I meant the pluarl form. Both matter. Children learn from those around them. Period. Video games are an escape, and unfortunately, children learn that too early in life. Mothers nurture. Fathers nurture. But the bottom line is this - you both brought this child into this world. It's on you to raise him/her to learn the basics of right and wrong.

Xerxys · 03-07-2009, 11:52 AM

Well, I have to go with the ignorant "The Law is the LAW!!" If the law says don't do 'A' and you do so, you broke the law. Seeing as I'm not going to do any research on what the law of gaming and ratings are ... I'll just ask, what are they? Do they say that a parent is supposed to prevent their under 18 child from playing non E or T rated games????

Quote:

Originally Posted by dksuddeth

... The government should NEVER be involved in legislating or regulating how parents raise their children. Doing so has been the major factor in why we have the society of youth today that we have.

I'm sorry, I'm slow, what do you mean? Are you saying that kids turned out the way they are because of the govt. interfering?

dksuddeth · 03-07-2009, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xerxys

I'm sorry, I'm slow, what do you mean? Are you saying that kids turned out the way they are because of the govt. interfering?

in a sense, yes. when government lays down rules and laws of what you can and can't do when raising children, the government assumes at least some responsibility for it. This also places parents in less than desirable positions because their hands are tied in alot of situations that may require more than just the word NO.

biznatch · 03-07-2009, 02:00 PM

My opinion: the law is sort of stupid, in a few different ways. First off, how the hell are you supposed to enforce this?
Second of all: Parents shouldn't need a law. This is what needs to happen so that the gap gets closed between parents and gamers(well, gamers that are their children). Parents should take interest in what their kids are doing for fun, whether it's a sport, a videogame, a hobby, whatever. If your kid likes it, you should know why, and even try and enjoy it with him/her.

It's a great way to bond with your child, and it doesn't necessarily make you the parent who tries too hard to be their kids' best friend by doing what they do. Try it out; you just might like it. There's a reason why video games are so popular: They're extremely fun, they allow you to do things that you can't always do in real life, and enter a world with different possibilities.

Also, on a side note, I'd like to say that I'm pleased that the general discussion has been having more topics about things I like to discuss, and that I think in a general way are interesting to talk about, and not talked about enough. Videogames and drugs are two things that deserve more conversation and discussion. They're both a social phenomenom that many people are opposed to, and that many people enjoy doing. The only way we'll get anywhere is by having these conversations. this law might not be a good thing, but at least it gets people to talk. If that's the only good thing to come out of it, then it's not that bad.

highthief · 03-07-2009, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dksuddeth

in a sense, yes. when government lays down rules and laws of what you can and can't do when raising children, the government assumes at least some responsibility for it. This also places parents in less than desirable positions because their hands are tied in alot of situations that may require more than just the word NO.

Yeah, the days of Oliver Twist were much better for kids.

biznatch · 03-07-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highthief

Yeah, the days of Oliver Twist were much better for kids.

Well, i think this remark is a bit unfair. Dk didn't say he thought the government shouldn't make you take care of your kids, he said he wants you(the parent) to be responsible for how you raise them. Not wanting the government to tell you how to raise your kids is understandable.
In Oliver Twist, there are no laws enforced regarding child labor, school for everyone, basic rights that children have today, etc. So it's a bit extreme to compare Dk's point to Oliver Twist's environment.

gardens · 03-08-2009, 01:22 PM

I'm glad that it's happening in NZ and not here as the idea of what their gov is doing is beyond ludicrous it is certifiably insane. The parents should be able to determine what games their children play, what movies they watch etc.

DK What are you talking about as regards governmental interference in raising children

having worked with abused children I'm wondering about what harmful actions your referencing

Turpis · 03-08-2009, 01:30 PM

i have played video games literally my entire life, i remember sitting on my dads lap as a kid bathed in the blue glow of the old commie 64.

but honestly people is not letting a kid play video games the worst thing in the world? is little johnny going to miss the finer points of high culture cause he wasnt allowed to play final fantasy? heck nah!

probably just keep his ass in shape more.

Xerxys · 03-08-2009, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gardens

having worked with abused children I'm wondering about what harmful actions your referencing

Hmmmm. I was about to disagree with dk but I have to say, just like everything else. Some regulation is necessary to protect kids from their parents. But I never grew up in the USA, I was caned, I'm now a firm believer in caning. Too bad there will always be folk who take it too far.

I think ratings are there for a reason. So are other laws. These are modern laws, not old and outdated laws, so there has to be substance behind it's writing.

Gosh, what does that say about my blind trust in the establishment?!?!?!?!?!

dksuddeth · 03-08-2009, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gardens

DK What are you talking about as regards governmental interference in raising children

having worked with abused children I'm wondering about what harmful actions your referencing

when the state family services takes your children away because they consider spanking the equivalent of child abuse.

Merlocke · 03-08-2009, 05:12 PM

hey, Mario partially raised me - I love my nintendo

Then again - video games weren't as violent back then.
Plumbers shooting fire and killing dragon turtles were a little less realistic than the 1st person shooters these days.

03-07-2009, 02:00 PM	#7 (permalink)
biznatch Junkie Location: France	My opinion: the law is sort of stupid, in a few different ways. First off, how the hell are you supposed to enforce this? Second of all: Parents shouldn't need a law. This is what needs to happen so that the gap gets closed between parents and gamers(well, gamers that are their children). Parents should take interest in what their kids are doing for fun, whether it's a sport, a videogame, a hobby, whatever. If your kid likes it, you should know why, and even try and enjoy it with him/her. It's a great way to bond with your child, and it doesn't necessarily make you the parent who tries too hard to be their kids' best friend by doing what they do. Try it out; you just might like it. There's a reason why video games are so popular: They're extremely fun, they allow you to do things that you can't always do in real life, and enter a world with different possibilities. Also, on a side note, I'd like to say that I'm pleased that the general discussion has been having more topics about things I like to discuss, and that I think in a general way are interesting to talk about, and not talked about enough. Videogames and drugs are two things that deserve more conversation and discussion. They're both a social phenomenom that many people are opposed to, and that many people enjoy doing. The only way we'll get anywhere is by having these conversations. this law might not be a good thing, but at least it gets people to talk. If that's the only good thing to come out of it, then it's not that bad. __________________ Check it out: The Open Source/Freeware/Gratis Software Thread Last edited by biznatch; 03-07-2009 at 02:06 PM..

03-08-2009, 05:12 PM	#14 (permalink)
Merlocke Location: Canada	hey, Mario partially raised me - I love my nintendo Then again - video games weren't as violent back then. Plumbers shooting fire and killing dragon turtles were a little less realistic than the 1st person shooters these days. __________________ -=[ Merlocke ]=-

03-07-2009, 05:36 AM	#3 (permalink)
braisler Addict Location: Midway, KY	I think that kids are smarter than people give them credit for... most kids anyway. Yes, exposure to sex and violence changes perspectives, perhaps more so at a younger age. I think that if most parents sat their kid down with the video game in question on in the background and asked if they knew the difference between the video game and reality and that it is not ok to hurt people in real-life, the response would be something along the lines of, 'Yeah, Duh!' No, government slapping a rating on a video game is not going to solve the problem. The government should stay out of parenting. It is never going to do a good job because every family is different, every child is different. I do think that parents should be aware of what their own kids are exposed to. But the decision of what to do with video game or TV exposure should rest with the parents alone.

03-07-2009, 06:31 AM	#4 (permalink)
william Psycho	The biggest influence on a child is his/her parents. And I meant the pluarl form. Both matter. Children learn from those around them. Period. Video games are an escape, and unfortunately, children learn that too early in life. Mothers nurture. Fathers nurture. But the bottom line is this - you both brought this child into this world. It's on you to raise him/her to learn the basics of right and wrong.

03-08-2009, 01:22 PM	#10 (permalink)
gardens Tilted Location: Kolob	I'm glad that it's happening in NZ and not here as the idea of what their gov is doing is beyond ludicrous it is certifiably insane. The parents should be able to determine what games their children play, what movies they watch etc. DK What are you talking about as regards governmental interference in raising children having worked with abused children I'm wondering about what harmful actions your referencing

03-08-2009, 01:30 PM	#11 (permalink)
Turpis Upright	i have played video games literally my entire life, i remember sitting on my dads lap as a kid bathed in the blue glow of the old commie 64. but honestly people is not letting a kid play video games the worst thing in the world? is little johnny going to miss the finer points of high culture cause he wasnt allowed to play final fantasy? heck nah! probably just keep his ass in shape more.