Violent Video Games: Should Kids Be Able to Buy Them?

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Should Kids Not Be Sold Violent Video Games?
Are you serious? Who wrote that question? Someone needs to take a remedial English course, unless you're intentionally attempting to mislead the poll-takers.
"Should kids be allowed to purchase violent video games without a parent or guardian present?" is the better way to form the question, and the answer is no, they should not be allowed to purchase violent video games without a parent or guardian present.

Swayne Shabbaz of VT 10:25AM May 11, 2010

Why would you word your question like that, so a NO answer indicates a double negative? It's confusing at best.

Flopsy of PA 10:24AM May 11, 2010

As a parent of four it is my job to raise my kids how me and my wife see fit. Its not the job of some third or fourth party to come along and be the parent for them. If this was the case the government would be the parents for all kids born in the country. What I am saying here is that parents need to be just that, parents. They are solely responsible for raising their kids.

SGT Robe of TX 10:23AM May 11, 2010

Ultimately the problem is not are violent video games okay for children, but more importantly is it the government's job to raise our children or the parent's job to raise these children?
California and all the other places out there are rushing to protect the children from "violent" video games just like they did for books, movies, music, etc, throughout history. Their only claim that makes games different is "they're interactive!" Pressing a blue button is not the same as pulling a trigger or any number of other skills and abilities that are done in a game. If they say we ban violent video games from minors whats stopping them from going back and making exemptions for books, movies, tv, radio... It goes on and on. Violence is a part of our lives, it has been since history was recorded.Now we just have easier access to hearing and seeing all about violence. It doesn't take a village. It takes a parent.

David of VA 10:23AM May 11, 2010

I think that kids can, in fact, be harmed by exposure to violent, sexually explicit, or otherwise complicated topics without the proper context. I also feel, however, that the responsibility to protect kids from this is on the parents. A video game company should be able to be expressive and let that expression be heard where it may, the way novelists or filmmakers are. Parents should be very careful in choosing what products their kids consume. The ESRB does at least an adequate job of describing what content in a game might be inappropriate for children, and possibly a better job than the MPAA does for movies.
Video games really aren't a substitute for parenting, and video game retailers CERTAINLY shouldn't be. A parent should be able to take care of their kid, protect them from what they deem inappropriate, and explain morally or conceptually complicated ideas to them when they have to. Saddling the gaming industry with those tasks is irresponsible and will be unsuccessful.

Sol of PA 10:23AM May 11, 2010

I think this poll is poorly worded or represented. Do I think that a minor should be able to purchase M rated games? No. Do I think the system in place (ESRB rating) is working perfectly? No. Do I think they should "ban" them? No.
I had a difficult time deciding whether to vote yes or no. I don't think kids should be able to purchase violent games. It would have to be the parent. Having worked in video game retail, I know that many states/companies are pretty strict on this policy and selling a minor a M rated game can lead to termination or a heavy fine.
So, I voted yes.

Erin of NY 10:23AM May 11, 2010

The question would be worded better as Should kids be able to buy violent video games. The wording is very odd.

TL of NY 10:23AM May 11, 2010

When I attempt to vote in this poll, I get the following error. Please fix this poll:
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Gene of DC 11:43AM May 10, 2010

First, I think we should acknowledge that not all kids who play violent video games become serial killers or rapists. However, I think it does reflect the moral views of the parents and the children. True, some may say that violence is part of reality and we shouldn't hide it from our kids. I agree, we shouldn't keep our children in the dark and make them live sheltered lives. But should we let them learn about war, brutal killings, stealing, raping, etc. from the Xbox or from Mom and Dad?
Second, parents need to step up and be parents. Most games are rated very much like movies (E: for Everyone, M: for Mature, and so on). Set your values and rules for your kids, and then enforce them. You are after all the parent. There are plenty of games that don't include realistic violence like Mario, Star Wars Legos, Zelda, etc. As your kids get older, you may have to loosen up on your rules. Remember, you are the parent, so act like one.

Patrick of KY 7:37PM May 07, 2010

We set boundaries all the time! Free speech is completely protected except when it does constructive harm. Minors are just that, minors...
And now that I got that off my chest. Gimme my Dam Cigar, I wanna get drunk at the beach and well, I'll draw the line at wearing a speedo...LoL...

Tom in San Diego of CA 1:20PM May 07, 2010