Common Sense Media CEO and Founder James P. Steyer today applauded United States Senators Hillary Clinton and Joe Lieberman for announcing they would introduce the Family Entertainment Protection Act (FEPA) when Congress reconvenes in two weeks.
“The Family Entertainment Protection Act goes a long way in protecting kids from the inappropriate, ultra violent and sexual content that often is a part of Mature- and Adult Only- rated video games,” Steyer said. “Unfortunately, these games easily find their way into the hands of kids despite their ratings.”
In the past few months, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan and Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois have signed state laws limiting the sale of ultraviolent games. The passage of the California legislation was particularly significant given the strong presence of entertainment industry. Common Sense Media has played an active role in the development of legislation at both the state and federal levels.
“Research shows that violence in video games can have harmful effects on the social, physical and emotional development of kids,” Steyer said. “It is a genuine public health issue. Legislation at the federal level helps parents make smart decisions for their families.”
Earlier this week, Steyer, the author of The Other Parent: The Inside Story of the Media’s Effect on Our Children, participated in the Senate Commerce Committee’s Forum on Decency, which examined video and audio entertainment. The Forum, chaired by Senator Ted Stevens, is set to reconvene on December 12 in Washington, DC.
