Official debate over R+18 games classification opens
- 15 December, 2009 09:33
- Comments 2
The Government has called for further public discussion over an R18+ rating for video games.
The Minister for Home Affairs, Senator Brendan O’Connor, has released a discussion paper, titled Should the Australian National Classification Scheme Include An 18+ Classification Category For Computer Games?. In a corresponding press release, Senator O’Connor asked for community commentary, while maintaining Governmental neutrality on the issue.
“I regularly receive representations from both industry and gamers seeking the introduction of an R 18+ classification for computer games, as well as from those opposed to its introduction,” O’Connor stated. “We are releasing a discussion paper rather than proposing a change so we have an opportunity to gauge all community views on the subject.”
Those interested in registering their views can fill out a submission template, available at www.ag.gov.au/gamesclassification, by February 12, 2010.
Nominations for the 2012 ARN IT Industry Awards open on Tuesday, June 12.
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Comments
Big Red
Under the law I am considered an adult, and am therefore deemed to be legally responsible for my actions.
Under the law, I am permitted to drink alcohol; with the possibility of becoming addicted or committing a crime.
Under the law, I am permitted to smoke tobacco products; with the possibility of getting cancer and dying.
Under the law, I am permitted to legally own a firearm providing I have a permit; with the possibility I may shoot somebody either intentionally or unintentionally.
I am 28 years old and am a police officer, and despite all of these facts one old gremlin is dictating what I can and cannot do in the privacy of my own home, as an adult.
Now the government allows me to drink myself to death, serve in the armed forces and wage war on a foreign country and to gamble all of my Earthly assets away if I so chose. But the government does not allow me to play a game that depicts violence?
I happen to whole-heartily agree that children should not be exposed to violent video-game, in much the same way that I do not think that children should drink alcohol or own firearms. However, there is a purpose for video games just like there is a purpose for alcohol and firearms when used responsibly.
It is not up to the government, or rather one of it's lunatic representatives, to determine what is right for me and what is wrong for me. Implement the legislation and go back to the long-lunch club.
Adam
The connections between media and society are simply to complex to ever prove that a media text ie video games, caused bad behaviour , this is simply a modern version of the devil made me do it, Of course there is plenty of research on both sides of the debate about claims of harm caused by media comsumption, but neither side has established any definitive proof. This is why the courts have never decided in the favour of a litigent who relies on research about media harms from video games porn etc
THERE IS SIMPLY NO LEGALLY DEFINITIVE PROOF
Therefore it is essential that an R rating classification be recognised
BUT: the majority of games that have been refused classification has been done on the criminal content which results in an automatic banning wether an R rating classification exists or not
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