An R18+ Classification for Games
Tonight I got my act together and made my submission to the public consultation on an R18+ Classification for games. My thoughts:
I believe that an R18+ Classification for Computer and Video Games is essential to provide consumer guidance and limit access to adult oriented material by minors without unfairly denying access by discerning adults. The Interactive Australia Report puts the average age of an Australian gamer at 30 Years, meaning that the majority of Australian gamers are being denied age appropriate games. The idea that the interactive nature of games can lead to more negative impact than other traditional media is unfounded and even if there were evidence to suggest anything of the kind it would be an argument for an R18+ Classification not against it. Modern games consoles and personal computers allow parents to control the access of adult content by their children and I believe that increased education about these systems would best serve the cause of child protection rather than an outright ban on adult rated games. Adult Content is unfairly maligned as extreme violence or sexual content but is in reality content routinely consumed by adults in Australia in other mediums such as film and literature without ill effect or injury. Australia is being left behind with an outdated and ineffective classification system, an R18+ Classification for Games would be a big step toward parity with our global neighbours. I find it concerning that a country so forward thinking and technologically progressive can be unduly affected by the stubborn and undemocratic efforts of a single individual so out of touch with the Australian People.
More info at Grow Up Australia
