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Tell Congress That There’s No Link Between Video Games and Real Life Violence

Rep. Joe Baca (D CA-43) seems to be doing a quiet push to get H.R. 231 passed while everyone's focused on the healthcare debaate. This bill, if passed, would require a warning label be affixed to all games rated T or up by the ESRB, regardless of the content descriptors. The warning would read: `WARNING: Excessive exposure to violent video games and other violent media has been linked to aggressive behavior.'. The ECA needs your help to make sure this bill does not become law.

Congress is simply misinformed on this issue. The vast majority of studies show that there is no proven causal link between violent media of any type and aggressive behavior. Several studies suggest that playing video games can be helpful to young people, such as this study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project. Further, the bill requires the label even for games that are not rated T or above for violence, which could confuse parents and undermine the ESRB, which according to the FTC is the most enforced media retail system.

HR 231 is an unconstitutional restraint on speech that will harm consumers and parents alike. Please join with the ECA, and let your representatives know that you want them to let the industry and parents continue with a system that works, and have Congress stay focused on the real problems facing our nation.

Simply read the letter below, fill in the form to the right, then click the Send This Message button and your letter will be emailed to your member of Congress.

March 31, 2023

Subject:

Dear Congressman,

As your constituent, a voter and an active video game player I urge you not to support HR 231, which calls on additional, unconstitutional and onerous labeling of video games.

First, HR 231 is unnecessary.  Most gamers are adults, with the average age being 36 years old.  In fact, the largest segment of gamers falls in the politically coveted, and increasingly vocal, 18-45 age bracket, most of who grew up playing video games.

Secondly, the video game industry already does a great job of self regulation through the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).  If children are playing ‘M’ (for mature) rated games, they’re getting them from their parents.  The Entertainment Consumers Association, the American consumer group representing video game players, supports parental empowerment and the ESRB efforts to educate parents on the ratings system.

Third, federal courts have routinely held that government regulation of video games is unconstitutional.  Passing bills such as HR 231, which then get fought out in court, cost taxpayers like me millions of dollars.  I’d rather see my tax dollars being spent on other things, like building safe bridges, fixing our economy and insuring that our country is kept safe from terrorists.

Fourth, the warning label required by H.R. 231 is false and misleading. There is no scientific consensus showing a causal relationship between violent media and aggressive behavior. In fact, the vast majority of studies show no link at all.  Even if such evidence existed, H.R. 231 wrongly singles out video games, which according to the Federal Trade Commission are the least likely medium for a minor to purchase alone.

Fifth, the bill also assumes that any game that receives a T or higher rating contains violent content. This simply shows a lack of understanding of the ESRB’s rating system and rating criteria or a willful acceptance of video game stereotypes. Not all R rated movies receive the rating because of violence; the same is true of M rated video games.

It is in your power to stop this type of legislation, and I ask that you represent me, your constituent, by doing so.  If you have any questions on this or other similar issues please contact Jennifer Mercurio, the Entertainment Consumers Association’s Director of Government Affairs, at jenn@theeca.com.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

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