9th Circuit Stops CA Vid Game Law

I just found this story today, although, sadly, it was reported about two weeks ago. California has struck down a video game law that would have prohibited children under 18 (well, legally speaking, nearly all people under 18 are "children" in the eyes of the law - with some exceptions) from renting or buying "violent" video games. The Court said the law violated children's first (free speech) and fourteenth (due process) amendment rights, and that there were "less restrictive" means in place or which could be implemented which would "empower" parents to make the ultimate decision about what their kids should and shouldn't be exposed to.

Let me first say that I am a HUGE gamer. My favorite thing to do at night when I get home is to crack a beer and turn on my 360 (right now I'm working on the Fable II expansion pack). My boyfriend and I DVR more shows on G4 than on all other channels combine, and we frequently attempt to kick each other's asses in fighting games every weekend. I take pride in Street fight fatalities. However, and I'm not trying to go all Tipper Gore on everyone, but I'm an adult; I'm not an impressionable 12-year old. And while I completely respect a parent's right to make the ultimate decision about their child's upbringing, the court it operating under the false assumption that parents are being ACTIVE in this part of their kids' lives. However, I can tell you from personal experience that most parents don't even know what the "M" rating means, nevermind what's actually in some games like GTA, Dead Space (one of my favorites), Fallout 3 and others. This is where the problem lies - apathy from parents.

If that law were to have gone through, parents could still make the ultimate decision by doing research and purchasing the game on their child's behalf, after educating themselves and their child about the content of the game and what it means. I'm not saying you have to sit down and have a long, drawn out "sex talk" with little Johnny about violent video games, but at least be aware his avatar may be having sex with hookers, killing them, stealing their cars and driving around Vice City with the body in the back seat. I know it sounds like I'm being preachy, but honestly - I would have no problem with my kid, which he/she reaches a certain age, playing these games. However, you can bet your ass I'll know what's in them and make sure my kid understands the difference between virtual reality and reality.

In a slightly related note, The Onion has brilliantly pointed out that violent video games can teach survival techniques. This, I feel, is the number one reason to be involved in choosing your child's video games - you want make sure it is teaching them life skills, such as accurate zombie shooting.