Retailers Selling Video Games to Underage Children

23rd April 2009

There is an ongoing debate in society on the effects that violent video games such as Grand Theft Auto and Resident Evil have on children. Are these games truly an influence for the drunken, violent behaviour we see, not only in Dundee but also across Scotland on a Friday, and Saturday night?

A press release from Dundee city council showed that 12 out of 16 Dundee based retailers were willing to supply an 18 certificate game to an underage volunteer, without requesting some form of identification.

When asked, Dundee City Council environment services convener Councillor Jimmy Black said: “Do we really want shops selling children games based on gross acts of violence?”
The survey, which was carried out by Trading Standards Officers does show evidence that these retailers are willing to break the law, simply for a sale. However ask yourself why. Is it because the Scottish economy is in unprecedented troubles and companies are finding it difficult to stay in business? Maybe this is just a sign of how bad the economy is for retailers of luxury items, such as video games. 

Of course it is wrong to sell these 18 certificate items to underage children and these retailers should be punished. However maybe Dundee city council and its new SNP administration should concentrate on working with their counterparts in Hollyrood, in improving the economy so these businesses can actually survive.

Well done by the way to: Gamestation, Game, PC World and WH Smith, who were the only retailers to refuse the underage child.
Written By: Darren Reid

Share this Article:

• Delicious
• Digg
• reddit
• Facebook
• StumbleUpon