       
|
|
December 13, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Bennett
202-775-0300 x 212
Report Warns of Irresponsible and Violent Gun Use
in Popular Children's Video Games
Redneck Rampage, Hitman, Teach Kids the "Wrong Lessons on Guns"
Washington, DC—A first annual report released today by the Americans for Gun Safety Foundation (AGSF) on the portrayal of guns in video games offers parents a disturbing view into the dangerous lessons their children are being taught by games that are available on store shelves throughout the United States.
The report, titled Playing with Firearms: What Parents Need to Know About Guns in Video Games, describes "an array of easily available video games that provide appalling portrayals of guns being used in an irresponsible manner and without any consequence." The report provides details on ten popular games that involve realistically rendered guns and the shooting, killing and maiming of people.
"This holiday season, when many parents are buying video games as gifts for their children, it is important for them to be aware of the dangers associated with some of these games," notes Jonathan Cowan, President of AGSF. "For parents who own guns, these games take all of the lessons that they teach their children about gun safety and throw them out the window."
But the report does not take issue with all video games involving guns: two hunting games by the gun manufacturers Remington and Browning earn the group's approval for their responsible approach to gun use and gun safety. "These two games, and other hunting and sport shooting games on the market, provide suitable alternatives for parents seeking to teach their kids about gun safety," Cowan said.
With new gaming systems like XBOX, the Game Cube and PlayStation Two flying off store shelves this holiday season, the report is intended to serve as a warning to parents; it reviews ten of the worst gun violence video games available on the market today and details the irresponsible and dangerous manner in which guns are used in these games. While many of these games carry a box label indicating that they are violent, the labels are merely advisory—unlike movie ratings, they do not prevent young children from buying or otherwise gaining access to the games.
"Parents should know that their children may be playing games with startlingly realistic, computer-generated versions of the very guns that are available in their own homes," Cowan continued. "These games carry violence and mayhem that would make them "R-rated" in a movie theater, but they are completely unrestricted as video games. Parents should therefore take the time to look carefully at these games and make informed choices."
The report, Playing With Firearms: What Parents Need to Know About Guns in Video Games, is available on the AGS Foundation website at www.agsfoundation.com
About the Americans for Gun Safety Foundation
The Americans for Gun Safety Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. The Foundation seeks to educate the public about: supporting the rights of individuals to own guns, the need for better laws and stronger enforcement of existing laws to help keep guns out of the hands of criminals and children, and safe and responsible gun ownership.
|
|
|
|
 Gun Laws
Find out whether the Gun Laws in your state protect your rights and your safety. Print out our quick reference page, or send it to your friends via email.
Safe Carry
What are the best ways to carry a firearm comfortably and safely? Our Gun Safety Program explains which carrying techniques are safe in specific situations.
Safety Gear
You should always wear equipment to protect your eyes and ears when firearms are discharged, whether you are shooting or simply observing.
Gun Glossary
Get quick definitions of common gun safety terms such as: gun show, licensed dealer, NICS background check, and more.
Cleaning Firearms
See our Gun Safety Program for expert tips on how to safely clean and maintain firearms.
|
|
|