Attempts by state lawmakers to regulate violent video games are being blocked in federal courts across the country.
Judges in eight states have stopped legislation meant to protect kids in the battle between First Amendment rights and child safety.
California is appealing a ruling by a federal judge who said it was unconstitutional to restrict the sale of violent video games to minors.
Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, author of Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill, told Family News in Focus a lack of understanding among judges is harming our children.
"It’s usually some 70-year-old federal judge who’s never played Pong in his life," he said, "who makes the decision on these games.”
If an Oklahoma judge has his way, that state will be the ninth to block video-game restrictions.
Daniel Weiss, senior analyst of media and sexuality at Focus on the Family Action, said it appears judges are the only people who aren’t aware of how dangerous the games can be.
“The research has already shown that this kind of content is harmful to children," he said. “It really makes a lot of sense that we would try to keep this content out of the hands and away from the eyes of children.”
Research shows the adverse effects of games such as Mortal Kombat and Grand Theft Auto. It includes decreased brain activity, an inability to understand complex issues and violent behavior. Weiss pointed out that government has the power to regulate what it deems harmful, such as setting age limits on alcohol and tobacco.
“Judges are very concerned about protecting the First Amendment, which we all agree is very important," he said, "but they don’t adequately consider the harm of these games to children."
