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Introduction to the media issue

Video clip at right:
TOP: An ABC "Q&A" clip from 24th. July 2008, in which panelists discuss violent video games and their classification. (Treat this clip as background only, if you are looking for material post-September 2009) .

If you cannot see this clip, it will be because video is blocked by your network. To view the clip, access from home or from a public library, or from another network which allows viewing of video clips.


2010/07: Should Australia introduce an R18+ rating for video games?





2004/20: Should the wearing of burqas and headscarves (hijabs) by Muslim women be banned in Western countries? Newspaper items used to compile this issue outline (with Livelinks) Read and / or print a single-document version of this issue outline What they said...
'There is strong evidence that playing violent video games is a significant risk factor for both short-term and long-term increases in physically aggressive behaviour'
Dr Craig Anderson, professor of psychology at Iowa State University

'Without evidence of a causal link between art and violence, Australian legislators have long been eager to act on a hunch, prompted by suspicion, religion and junk psychology'
Helen Razer, The Sydney Morning Herald

The issue at a glance
The federal Attorney-General's department is currently reviewing the classifications given Australian video and computer games.  Currently the highest rating possible is MA15+, meaning such games should only be sold to and played by a person over 15 (and, in the case of those under 18, in the company of an adult).  Supporters of the status quo argue that capping our ratings in this way protects children, in particular, from exposure to some of the more violent and sexually explicit material available in other jurisdictions.  This is a view supported be a variety of parent lobby groups, children's media groups and Christian organisations.
However, industry lobby groups and computer gamers' groups want Australia to adopt an R18+ classification.  They argue that a majority of gamers are not children and should not be treated as such. They further argue that the current arrangements put children at greater risk, as games with adult content are minimally altered and then inappropriately classified MA15+.