UK Parents Who Let Underaged Kids Play 18+ Games Could Be Reported

It is no secret that despite what the label on the video game box says, children will still play games that are not meant for their age group, but who’s to blame here? Would it be shops and online stores that don’t check the age of their customers, or could it be the fault of the parents who enable such behavior?

As it turns out there are some in the UK who believe that it is the parents’ responsibility to prevent their children from playing games targeted at those aged 18 or older. In a letter being sent to parents of children in both primary and secondary schools in Cheshire, North West England, it seems that the schools are warning parents that if their child is found to be playing such games, the parents themselves could be reported to the police.

The letter reads, “If your child is allowed to have inappropriate access to any game or associated product that is designated 18+, we are advised to contact the police and children’s social care as this is deemed neglectful.” Apparently the schools think that by allowing children underage to have access to such games, it would lead to “early sexualised behaviour” and leave children “vulnerable to sexual exploitation or extreme violence.”

Such topics are generally controversial as there are arguments for both sides, in which some believe that video games are harmless and those who think that it causes harm, but in this case do you guys think the schools are right in reporting parents to the police for “neglect”?

Filed in Gaming. Read more about Legal.