Senator Bam Aquino on Monday rejected a blanket ban on violent video games and instead pushed for the strict implementation of age restrictions.
In a statement, Aquino noted that numerous studies have found no correlation between video games and school shootings, adding that video games, as an art form and entertainment medium, “do not cause violent behavior.”
“Magpi-50 years na rin iyong mga video games, pero it’s always a convenient scapegoat sa tuwing may nangyayaring insidente ng karahasan (Video games have been here for almost 50 years, but it’s always a convenient scapegoat whenever violence occurs),” he said.
Aquino said it is better to implement stricter enforcement of age restrictions on mature-rated games, similar to existing rules for films and television programs.
“Dapat sa mga video game stores and online stores, medyo mas strikto rin yung ating rules pagdating sa mga bata at iyong pag-access nila sa mga mature video games (Video game and online stores should be strict in enforcing the rules when it comes to children, including how they access mature video games). But banning video games in general or as a whole, I don’t think that’s a good solution to our problems
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian is seeking to expand the powers and functions of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), to include regulation of video and online games, for the safety and well-being of children amid their exposure to new technologies.
Gatchalian’s bill prohibits the sale or distribution of any video game that is rated “Adults Only” by the Board. It will also be unlawful for a minor to buy or receive games rated “Adults Only” and use false evidence of age to obtain copies of these video games.
Gatchalian’s Senate Bill 1063 or the Video and Online Games and Outdoor Media Regulation Act seeks to amend Presidential Decree 1986 that created the MTRCB.
Aquino stressed that parents play a critical role in monitoring the games their children access and ensuring they are only exposed to age-appropriate content.
Aquino likewise said that game developers have a responsibility to make online gaming platforms safer, particularly those intended for children, by strengthening safeguards against online predators, extremist groups, and other harmful individuals. (PNA)