July 20, 2011, Greencastle, Ind. — An Indianapolis Star article on parents who closely monitor the video games their children play notes, "DePauw University communications professor Jeffrey M. McCall says not
all children have parents who take the lead on this issue. That's why
he doesn't think the Supreme Court ruling is in the best interests of
kids, nor does he believe a law like California's unduly restricts their
rights."
Barb Berggoetz writes, "With the video-game market flooded with more violent and graphic
games, it can be a constant struggle for parents to monitor and limit
their children's video-gaming. And the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling doesn't help parents make their case. The
7-2 ruling struck down California's 2005 law that would have prevented
the sale or rental, to those younger than 18, of games giving players
the option of 'killing, maiming, dismembering, or sexually assaulting an
image of a human
being.' The majority opinion said such limits violated
First Amendment rights. So, parents, it's up to you to combat the influences of the $18 billion video-gaming industry."
Dr. McCall tells the newspaper, "I think there is plenty of evidence to suggest kids can be harmed emotionally if they are internalizing the messages they see in video games."
You'll find the full story at IndyStar.com.
Jeff McCall is a 1976 graduate of DePauw, faculty adviser to student radio station WGRE, and author of the book Viewer Discretion Advised: Taking Control of Mass Media Influences. He's frequently called upon by major media outlets to discuss media matters and has been cited in articles published by more than 100 newspapers. Yesterday he was quoted in a Los Angeles Times story on Charlie Sheen's plans to launch a new television show.