Toughening Video-Game Measures
“This past summer, the city of Indianapolis became the first city in the nation to require kids to have a parent present when playing
video games at arcades that featured violent or sexually explicit content.” Chicago’s Alderman Burke is seeking a similar law for
his city, and is even considering amendments that would make it illegal to sell or rent violent games to minors.
Dr. Michael Rich
testified before the council, saying “We have a powerful teaching tool here. The question is ‘What are our children learning?’”
» See Dr. Rich’s Testimony
Should Government Regulate Video Games?
A recent proposal by the Chicago City Council would limit the accessibility of violent video games to children.
Dr. Michael Rich
provided
testimony before the Council, saying that “all the available research on violent video games says that they desensitize and promote
violent acts among those who play particularly those who play them most — children.”
» See Dr. Rich’s Testimony and Full Story
Video-Game Vote
Last December, Chicago’s Alderman Burke supported giving city
assistance to expand and improve Midway Games, a maker of violent video games such as Mortal Kombat. Now Burke is supporting government
action to crack down on businesses that sell violent games to children.
Burke defended his actions, saying he has no problem with adults playing these games, and it was a good business decision to keep Midway in the city.
Dr. Michael Rich
testified before Chicago City Council on the desensitization effect of video games, saying that they instill a “get them before they get me mentality” that can translate into poor
conflict resolution skills on the playground.
» See Dr. Rich’s Testimony