Govt advisor calls violent-videogame tax
Fears over alleged 'negative impact' of games on teens
An advisor to Gordon Brown on knife crime and youth violence is to tell the Prime Minister that violent videogames should be taxed to put them out of the reach of kids.
Richard Taylor, who’s son Damilola was stabbed to death in south London nine years ago, this week told MPs that computer and console games are “too cheap”, according to a report by the Daily Telegraph newspaper.
He claimed that such games have a “negative impact” on youngsters and that any tax applied to them should be “very high” – although he declined to say exactly how much should be charged.
There have been numerous reports worldwide of youths mimicking violent games. For example, last year three US teens confessed to going on a Grand Theft Auto-style Molotov Cocktail crime spree.
Reporters covering this week's tragic events in Wissenden, Germany have already been quick to note killer Tim Kretschmer's penchant for violent videogames - conveniently ignoring the many, many thousands of 17-year-olds who also enjoy aggressive computer and console games yet don't re-enact them in real life.
But a trio of psychology reports examining the benefits of videogames all unanimously concluded that some titles can have positive effects on players.
However, congressman Joe Baca - a California Republican – has already proposed US legislation that would force some games to carry warnings about links between violent titles and GTA-style behaviour. ®
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COMMENTS
We're all evil gamers!
Another knee jerk reaction. Of course I feel very sorry for Mr Taylor as he did lose his son in what I can only describe as horrendous circumstances but the issue is a little bit more complex then he thinks.
Games are already expensive, actually more expensive than they've ever been. We already pay VAT on them so slapping another tax on them would seriously hit gamers and the industry alike.
Games such as GTA, Saints Row, Manhunt, FEAR 2 are all 18 certificate games so why do some parents think this is OK for their kids? The mind simply boggles where these people are concerned.
Parents need to educate themselves to the kinds of games their kids are playing. If they find their kids are playing games they shouldn't be then it's time for good old discipline to say hello. If parents want to educate themselves there are gaming sites out there that cater for parents and have a full breakdown of the games content. Is it that hard to use a search engine?
Education is only part of it, parents also need to be involved with their kids game playing. Don't just give them a console, a TV and let them sit in their rooms but the thing in a family room where they can be kept an eye on. Even play games with them.
@This sickness is enemic in society
Perhaps we should also ban science fiction. These horrible people great creatures that were not made in the eyes of god, you must have a sick mind to create anything like this! While we are at it I think that we should also ban historical books that include any pictures related to war or any form of violence(interestingly I guess that would include the Bible), because you have to be wrong in the head to want to see or read anything about someone who has experienced pain. You should not learn anything about World War I or II, as to be interested about anything Hitler did would be wrong!! All news reporting on any violent act should also be banned! In fact let is us ban anything that involves pain so, no tatoos, no piecings, no rugby, no martial arts, no contact sport what so ever, all forms forms surgery and injections should also be banned as this might hurt even if it is for the best overall.
Everyone should ONLY want to stand holding hands in fields of flowers, anything else is WRONG!!!!
OR
Maybe some people can tell the difference between fantasy and reality!!!!!! Yes you do have to be ill to want to do certain things in real life!!!! However that cannot be compared to wanting to see what happens if you can draw faster than Billy the kid in a western game or wanting to see if you can jump over that garden restraunt with your car, even though you know you probably can't! You know why? because it does not matter!!! All anyone does in a game is change digital code. No one is hurt and no one is killed. So it is not really the same as killing a school student or being a war crimimal in REAL LIFE!!!!!
Ali perhaps you cannot tell the difference between the two BUT most people can!
Ali
... That's right. You tell them! Damn right, blame someone, or something else entirely. Why bother examining the sociological reasons or making the strong correlation to a lack of accountability for one's actions in the media, in school, in work or amongst one's peers, or one's parents, so obvious in society the last five to ten years?
You go for it. Blame anything but those responsible. It's all all so much more.... convenient and easy isn't.
And if you're going to expose yourself with such idiotic statements, learn to proof read first...
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