Regulating The Video Game Industry

By Jamie McGriff, The News On 6

TULSA, OK --  The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case on whether the government should be regulating violent video games sold to your kids.

That has some Oklahoma parents asking about privacy issues and whether government involvement is going too far.

The big question is 'where are the parents?'  Shouldn't they be the ones regulating on what their kids can buy?

Maybe so, but we're looking at a bigger picture.

And not just video games; should the government get involved with what you buy? Is there such a thing as going too far?

Take part in a NewsOn6.com poll at the end of this story. 

True, everybody has an opinion about what's appropriate for anyone under 18 years of age, or even 21 years of age.

Manufacturers are putting a game rating on video games so you know what's appropriate for your child's age group. For instance the rating "M" stands for mature.

But the game ratings may be misleading according some Tulsa area parents.

"I don't think they should even sell some of that stuff. I don't think it should even be allowed, even if the parent has a choice to buy it. And make sure the kids are playing appropriate video games, I think it's up to the whole community which involves the government and the parents," said Clarence Jordan.

"I think both parents and the government should step in and make sure kids are playing appropriate video games. Well you know sometimes like your kids see things and they want them, and you're like, Ok, I'll buy it for you and then you're not thinking it's not that bad but it really is bad," said Olivia Espinoza.

The video game industry doesn't like the idea of the government getting involved, saying if government can regulate on what customers can buy, even if its minors, this regulation could be abused. And minors could be blocked from other materials.