'Bully' MP Calls For Ratings Review
Gaming moralist and MP for Leicester East, Keith Vaz, changes tack on legislation to regulate kids buying games.
Now then, young man, what's all this about you buying games?
Whipped into line or softening his approach to over-arching government intervention in… recreational pastimes? Speaking to industry journal, MCV, the media-loving MP has called for parent partnering and a ‘discussion’ of the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) rating system.
This apparent softening of his previous hard line follows a sparkling exchange between the MP and Prime Minister Blair regarding Rockstar’s Canis Canem Edit (the game formerly known as Bully).
The political term ‘discussion of’ can usually be translated into ‘punter speak’ in one of two ways: 1) keep talking about it until everybody forgets the initial topic 2) get rid of it entirely.
Aside from scrapping/discussing PEGI, Vaz now wants a talking-shop featuring the industry, ‘parents groups’ and big government in order to discover why under-18s are still purchasing 18+ PEGI-rated games. This is indeed a softening of his previous requirement for government control.
SPOnG has put a follow-up call into Vaz’s office this morning. Although it is constituency day for the Right Honourable today, we have been advised that we will be receiving a call-back.
This apparent softening of his previous hard line follows a sparkling exchange between the MP and Prime Minister Blair regarding Rockstar’s Canis Canem Edit (the game formerly known as Bully).
The political term ‘discussion of’ can usually be translated into ‘punter speak’ in one of two ways: 1) keep talking about it until everybody forgets the initial topic 2) get rid of it entirely.
Aside from scrapping/discussing PEGI, Vaz now wants a talking-shop featuring the industry, ‘parents groups’ and big government in order to discover why under-18s are still purchasing 18+ PEGI-rated games. This is indeed a softening of his previous requirement for government control.
SPOnG has put a follow-up call into Vaz’s office this morning. Although it is constituency day for the Right Honourable today, we have been advised that we will be receiving a call-back.
Games:
Canis Canem Edit
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Comments
SCiARA 27 Oct 2006 13:35
1/4
"in order to discover why under-18s are still purchasing 18+ PEGI-rated games"
Probably the same "why" they are getting 18cert movies, fags, alcohol, drugs, air guns/rifles, knives etc etc etc
As much as I agree that it shouldn’t be happening, there is virtually no way of stopping it.
Probably the same "why" they are getting 18cert movies, fags, alcohol, drugs, air guns/rifles, knives etc etc etc
As much as I agree that it shouldn’t be happening, there is virtually no way of stopping it.
Dreadknux 27 Oct 2006 14:38
2/4
SCiARA wrote:
Probably the same "why" they are getting 18cert movies, fags, alcohol, drugs, air guns/rifles, knives etc etc etc
Agreed. Waste of taxpayer's money for something they already know the bloody answer to.
Now if it was a Reviews Board that aimed to EDUCATE parents on violent games and how not to buy them for their 7 year old kids... that would be much better don't you think? If you read between the lines, they're still saying it's the game's/PEGI's fault that kids are buying this stuff.
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Joji 27 Oct 2006 14:45
3/4
Its natural for us to be curious about what we don'y know but are denied. ''Because you can't...'' isn't reason enough and so u18s look to find out for themselves.
Adults who push for these laws should try talking to kids for their opinion or at least remember what its like to be young. Very few of them do, and hide behind ASBOs, and that's why young folk are constantly frustrated. With no money and no where to go to keep you off the streets that doesn't cost money, MPs shouldn't be surprised they get up to no good.
Keith Vaz, for god sake you are an MP, get off your lazy arse and talk to Leicester's young people. Then you will get your answers. Saber rattling at PEGI and the industry won't do you any good. PEGI do their part as does the industry, some parents do theirs. Despite all this kids will always want what they can't have. The lure of adulthood is always strong.
Adults who push for these laws should try talking to kids for their opinion or at least remember what its like to be young. Very few of them do, and hide behind ASBOs, and that's why young folk are constantly frustrated. With no money and no where to go to keep you off the streets that doesn't cost money, MPs shouldn't be surprised they get up to no good.
Keith Vaz, for god sake you are an MP, get off your lazy arse and talk to Leicester's young people. Then you will get your answers. Saber rattling at PEGI and the industry won't do you any good. PEGI do their part as does the industry, some parents do theirs. Despite all this kids will always want what they can't have. The lure of adulthood is always strong.
SCiARA 27 Oct 2006 15:00
4/4
"Adults who push for these laws should try talking to kids for their opinion or at least remember what its like to be young. Very few of them do, and hide behind ASBOs, and that's why young folk are constantly frustrated. With no money and no where to go to keep you off the streets that doesn't cost money, MPs shouldn't be surprised they get up to no good."
the same works the other way round, I, like all used to be in the same boat as a young lad with no money and no where to go yet there was no "ASBO'S" or half the trouble there is now.
baa, this is gonna end up an old Vs young thread if we are not careful
Bottom line is the age restrictions are there for a reason and should be adhered too.
your point of adults saying you cant have it without a good reason is valid though, even if it states on the product the reasons it has received an 18 (or other) certificate, there should be a better understanding why they are there.
the same works the other way round, I, like all used to be in the same boat as a young lad with no money and no where to go yet there was no "ASBO'S" or half the trouble there is now.
baa, this is gonna end up an old Vs young thread if we are not careful
Bottom line is the age restrictions are there for a reason and should be adhered too.
your point of adults saying you cant have it without a good reason is valid though, even if it states on the product the reasons it has received an 18 (or other) certificate, there should be a better understanding why they are there.