Dear Editor:
An open letter to Premier Christy Clark: Our society, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Women Educators of British Columbia, requests that you take steps as part of your caring for children and families initiatives to further limit availability of violent and sexually explicit video games.
As summer vacation has started, children are particularly at risk for increased exposure to the violence celebrated in many of the video games which are commonly available for sale in local stores, and at video arcades.
Significant research has been conducted to determine the effects of violence in video games and many of the results indicate short-term and even long-term behavioural and attitudinal changes in those who play these games.
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is a professional honorary Society of women educators. The Society promotes professional and personal growth of its members and excellence in education. As a group of educators with considerable experience in working with children we are aware that children pattern their behavior after the behaviour of those they spend significant time with and/or those they hold in high regard.
In the same way that we protect our children from second hand smoke we believe there would be a benefit from a ban on violent or sexually explicit games wherever children under 16 may be present and that the sale of these items should be tightly controlled.
Please help families keep their children from the negative effects of violent and sexually explicit video games by legislating strict rules regarding the sale and the use of these items.
O. Babiuk, New Westminster
