We live in a society today where so much of it relies on protecting our children. With access to the internet, movies, games it can be hard to decide upon what is appropriate for kids and what is not. Which is why we have rating systems to help parents figure out what their children can view or not. Also, these ratings are the basis for most laws which make it illegal for businesses to sell inappropriate material to minors. That is unless you live in Britain.
The British Video Recordings Act 1984 was a law that required video games and movies to be classified by the British Board of Film Classification. Which in essence was the law that made it illegal to sell violent video games, and sexually charged films to minors.
However, it has recently been discovered that there’s a loophole in the existence of the law. In order for a law to become official in Britain it must notify the European Commission before it can be enforced. It just so happens that the VRA of 1984 never made it’s way to the EC.
Barbara Follett, the Culture Media and Sport Minister sent out numerous letters to industries saying this, “Unfortunately, the discovery of this omission means that, a quarter of a century later, the VRA is no longer enforceable against individuals in United Kingdom courts.”
What this means specifically now is that no person can be charged with selling inappropriate materials to minors. Any case that was closed before this discovery can’t be brought back for re-evaluation though. Which is a sigh of relief considering how many cases there have probably been since this act began.
It’s crazy to think how something so vital could be forgotten, but as it stands now nothing can be done about it. A new law or ratification must be enacted which will then be sent to the EC. My guess is that someone is typing something up as I’m writing this.
[via: BBC]
Popularity: 4% [?]
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:45 pm
times like this it sucks to be in the USA
September 9th, 2009 at 6:30 am
My opinion, that children need to forbid to look television.
Modern making of cartoons and films propagandize high cruelty. There is the impression, that children after their viewing will beat each other on a head, to shoot and laugh loudly.
To wait that this question will decide at the level of government – senselessly.
September 9th, 2009 at 6:38 am
In order that children developed and cheered, I showed for them cartoons and films which checked.
Mainly it is films of more early production.
limitations… – but I think that it will be useful/
September 12th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I think kids are gonna see what kids want to see. If not on TV, then on the internet. I think if parents have confidence in their parenting skills, and trust their kids to make good decisions, then it shouldn’t be a problem.
September 19th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Barbara Follett, the Culture Media and Sport Minister sent out numerous letters to industries saying this, “Unfortunately, the discovery of this omission means that, a quarter of a century later, the VRA is no longer enforceable against individuals in United Kingdom courts
September 20th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Wow. That’s interesting. In the US, the industry adopted their own rating system that was very similar to our movie rating system because of public outrage and the threat of the government imposing even stricter ratings.
October 7th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
We watch together with my kids to make sure that my kids will be guided to the movies they watch. Some of the movies like cartoons gives ideas to the kids as well.
November 27th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
it is a goooooooooooooooood post
thanks for share
March 10th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
I don’t think these rating systems are even necessary to be honest. Parents should be able to make their own decision on what they want their kids to watch or play, not some law or company.
It sucks when you’re younger and you wanted to buy a game but they wouldn’t sell it to you because your parents weren’t there even though my parents knew I was going to get the game and had no problem with it.
March 21st, 2010 at 2:00 am
that children need to ban television viewing.
Modern implementation of cartoons and propaganda films height of cruelty. There is a perception that children watch television after it beat each other in the head, to shoot and laugh out loud.
April 3rd, 2010 at 4:49 am
Surely this is just a bit of a legal glitch that will be fixed in due course. Still, it shows how disorganised Whitehall can be.
June 3rd, 2010 at 10:59 am
this is a task schedule for 2050. Brainwashed and brain wiped generation.
More dummy people–more easy management of people
June 8th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
if u ask me children should be blinded by a cloth tied around their eyes. and headphones on their ears, but oh nowadays even that wud be cruel. it must be hard for kids in this generation. they’re given a great freedom. i wish if i’ad such a childhood in my time.
June 9th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
The outcome of this hearing has great bearing on how age ratings will … Laws are not enough to ensure our kids are accessing the most age-appropriate content. … The U.S. and Canada have the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). ….. What if your child is bullied online by a group of kids…
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June 16th, 2010 at 11:31 am
It just seems like America has been a few decades behind the rest of the world morally.
December 16th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
I like to read this site very much.It has some advantage for children.I do not think this rating systems are even necessary to be honest.Father and mother should be able to their own decision.
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December 25th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
This is very bad situation in UK that there is no legal bearing for children. But this side has some adventage for children.
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July 30th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
Particulary fine blog post.
September 28th, 2011 at 5:23 am
heh… particulary? maybe
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November 21st, 2011 at 7:48 am
it is exactly the same than in Spain. but to really comprend the situation you will need to speak spanish
January 3rd, 2012 at 8:48 pm
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January 3rd, 2012 at 8:48 pm
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