New Zealand censor wants to prosecute parents who allow "violent" games

Bill Hastings , the chief government censor of New Zealand, wants to prosecute parents who allow their children access to violent games, by imposing a hefty fine of up to $5,000 or three months in jail.

He hopes that the "shock value" of seeing others prosecuted will keep other parents in line.

They might think the offense is silly, but it ain't... That's what the law says, but... you're not going to have police officers in every bedroom... There would certainly be some shock value to prosecuting a parent who gives their under-18 child access to a restricted game. It would send out a message that the enforcement agency means business.

I think the word 'game' can mislead people for sure. It's not checkers. For the first time in history, kids are more savvy with technology than parents... parents need to get up to speed on the digital divide. They need to look at what their kids are playing and doing...

It should be the pleasure in being able to sleep at night knowing that you have done the right thing by your kids. That should be the motivating factor.

More over on GamePolitics.