The report concludes that:

“Although there remains room for improvement –- particularly in the area of Internet advertising -– the video game industry outpaces the movie and music industries in the three key areas that the Commission has been studying for the past decade…restricting target-marketing of mature-rated products to children; clearly and prominently disclosing rating information; and restricting children’s access to mature-rated products at retail.”

Obviously the results of the study cannot be extrapolated directly to the Australian context. However, it does suggest that proponents of a harsher ratings system for video games than other forms of entertainment — because they allow children easier access to inappropriate content — may be arguing from an entirely false premise.

Thanks to Sam Whitton for this news.

Coupled with the latest poll from family gaming website What They Play revealing that parents are more concerned about GTA IV than alcohol and pornography, this clearly shows that Australia is in dire need of a stronger ratings system that keeps adult games like Grand Theft Auto IV out of the hands of children.

Source: 17 Percent of GTA Buyers Minors (Leigh Alexander, Gamasutra)