Kids sold violent video games online

Children are illegally being sold violent video games through web auction sites, trading standards officials have said.

Following an investigation by the Welsh Heads of Trading Standards (WHOTS), the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) said many traders across the UK are selling 18-rated games on such sites.

Almost nine out of ten traders in the study had supplied violent games to youngsters after six Welsh local authorities each enlisted a volunteer aged between 12 and 16 who attempted to buy 18-rated video games on the web using postal orders.

Of the 44 purchases attempted, 38 traders sold the games to the children - a rate of 86 per cent.

Among the games bought by the youngsters were Manhunt, Grand Theft Auto, Godfather and Hitman - all of which carry a BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) rating of 18 because they contain scenes of a very violent nature.

Traders found guilty of supplying such games to underage customers can be jailed for up to six months or fined.

Lee Jones, acting head of Bridgend County Borough Council Trading Standards, said: "This survey shows how easily children can gain access to age-restricted violent video games. Traders who use auction sites and accept postal orders as payment have no method of determining whether the person they are selling to is aged 18 or over."

Brandon Cook, TSI lead officer for age restricted sales, said: "Traders selling goods over the internet have a responsibility to make sure they have methods in place to avoid breaking the law by making underage sales.

"If traders cannot be sure the person they are selling to is over 18 then they should not be selling. There are a number of companies out there that will run age checks on customers for internet traders. These services are very quick and relatively cheap."

Ron Gainsford, chief executive of TSI, said: "The TSI takes an active role in helping internet traders avoid making underage sales by giving out advice and guidance to businesses.

"I would urge traders who need help in this area to contact their local Trading Standards Service for information and support. Parents and guardians also have an important role to play in making sure their children are not playing unsuitable video games."

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