As part of Governor Eliot Spitzer’s agenda to improve the lives of New York’s children, the New York State Division of Criminal Justices Services (DCJS) unveiled a presentation today entitled “Video Games and Children: Virtual Playground vs. Danger Zone.” The 20-minute presentation is designed to assist parents in making informed decisions about the video games they allow their children to play.

The presentation was given to a group of parents, educators and children’s advocates at the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Rensselaer County.

“Protecting our children from violent video games that contain adult themes is a key priority for my administration,” said Governor Spitzer. “I commend the staff of the DCJS and Commissioner Denise O’Donnell for taking a leadership role in this effort by reaching out to parents and educators to engage them in this important dialogue. This presentation gives parents and educators the information they need to make smart decisions about the games their children play.”

The presentation explores research on the topic of violent games, outlines risks, and provides parents with 10 tips to remember when purchasing games for their children. It also provides a primer on video game history and features video game content ranging from “Pong” in the 1970s to the violent games being sold today. In addition, the video establishes guidelines for their children’s play, including:

1)Checking a game’s rating and reading the description, or renting a game to preview it, before purchase.

2)Setting reasonable time limits and ensuring that children respect them.

3)Discussing a game’s content and explaining why you object to certain games.

This public outreach program is in addition to the Governor’s proposed legislation that would prohibit the sale of violent and sexually explicit video games to minors, require certain labeling and parental controls on such games, and establish an advisory council to study the issue.

Denise E. O’Donnell, Commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services said: “With more than 5,000 game titles available, some of which contain graphic violence, sexual themes and adult content, parents should be cautious and remain vigilant when selecting video games.

Mindy A. Bockstein, Chairperson and Executive Director of the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) said: “Recently released studies and statistics serve as a reminder to parents that video games have shifted from themes of saving princesses to the arena of violence. According to a poll recently released in a report by the National Institute on Media and the Family, 86 percent of children play video games in their homes, and 72 percent of parents know little or nothing about the video ratings system. This multi-billion dollar industry is making a huge profit by target marketing their products to vulnerable youth. I applaud the efforts of Governor Spitzer and DCJS, and, while we take steps to try to protect children from exposure to and interaction with violent video games that are flooding the marketplace.

Maria DeWald, President of New York State PTA said: “The New York State PTA applauds the Governor’s efforts to raise awareness of the potential dangers posed by some video games. Our membership has conducted research, adopted resolutions and devoted resources at both the state and national levels to raise awareness of the dangers associated with developing technology, and the need to work with collaborating partners and others to advocate for the protection of children and youth.”

Timothy G. Kremer, Executive Director of the New York State School Boards Association said: “The New York State School Boards Association supports efforts to reduce children’s exposure to violence. We urge parents to learn as much as possible about the ratings and content associated with the video games their children are playing.”

(YW News Desk)