Parents split on choice of violent computer games for children

PARENTS are divided when it comes to the selection of computer games for their children to play and often leave the game stores feeling confused.

"Not all parents have the same thoughts. Some got angry when we refused to sell violent games to their children, while some parents complained when we sold the same game," said a local games store employee who is in the trade for 10 years.

She had recalled a case where the shop had sold a copy of "Grand Theft Auto (GTA): Liberty Stories" for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) to a minor only to have the parents return to lodge a complaint for selling a game with violent content to their children.

She added that on another occasion one parent had said that their children should purchase whatever game they choose and should not be stopped by the games store.

"I trust my children," said the mother, 47, a Civil Service Trainer who was shopping with her young son for games.

She added that her children always asked for permission whenever they wanted to buy games and she kept watch on what they were playing.

"I played GTA once but I didn't like it," said her son.

He added that he only played games for fun and his favourite selection of games consisted of Bionicle and Pokemon.

Despite the complaints, she added that it was the store's policy not to sell games which depicts nudity to children.

In addition, the games store had also used the Entertainment Software Rating Board, an American rating system, which can be seen on the box label as a guideline for purchases made by customers.

The rating system is used to keep watch over children who are under 18 years old from purchasing games which contain graphic violence.

"At the end of the day, we can't stop the customer from buying the games they want to play, all we can do is just advise the customer before making the purchase," said the employee.

The GTA instalments has been facing a series of controversy from the United States media mainly for its portrayal of violence and the "Hot Coffee" scandal, a hidden sex mini-game content discovered by a hacker.

With the release of GTA IV in the country this week, the game has been sold out as of yesterday, as news of the positive reviews of the game had gamers in the country searching for a copy. The Brunei Times