Violent games 'sold to children'

Violent video games are being sold to children over the internet in several areas of Wales, a trading standards investigation has discovered.

Six local councils, including Anglesey and Wrexham, found 38 traders out of 44 test purchases sold them to under-18s.

They include titles like Manhunt and Grand Theft Auto, which were given 18 ratings due to their violent content.

Traders involved have been sent letters warning them they are breaking the law if they use web auctions to sell games.

The investigation by the Welsh Heads of Trading Standards (WHOTS) found many traders across the UK, were selling games with 18 classifications to children via popular internet auction websites.

Anglesey council's senior enforcement officer Martin Wyn Jones said the council enlisted the help of an Anglesey youngster.

"Parents and guardians also have an important role to play in making sure their children are not using the internet to buy and play violent and unsuitable video games"
Bob Parry, Anglesey councillor

"He managed to buy 18-rated video games on the internet using postal orders," he said.

"Out of a total of six test purchases, six traders sold him violent video games.

"None of these internet traders were based on the island, but we will now be sending them warning letters," he added.

Mr Jones said that throughout Wales the 44 test purchases resulted in 38 traders selling games to children.

The chief trading standards officer on Anglesey, David Riley, 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 way of knowing who they're selling to is aged 18 or over.

"They have a responsibility to make sure they have methods in place to avoid breaking the law by making underage sales," he added.

Bob Parry, holder of the environment portfolio with responsibility for trading standards said: "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 using the internet to buy and play violent and unsuitable video games," he added.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Anglesey County Council
Wrexham County Borough Council
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites