Rockefeller to Reintroduce Legislation for Videogame, Video Violence Study
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W. Va.), chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, said that he plans to reintroduce legislation next week calling for a National Academy of Sciences study of the impact of violent content on children's behavior.
In a statement praising President Obama's plan to address gun violence, Rockefeller said that such a study would encompass video games and "violent video programming." Although the initial version of his legislation, introduced in the last Congress, did not specify a type of video programming, the term could refer to both TV and the Internet.
In a statement, Rockefeller said, “I think everyone can agree that the impact of violent content on our kids’ wellbeing is an important issue, and I’m glad this new plan will take a close look at it. I am working hard in the Senate to make sure this type of research – which I have strongly backed throughout my career – is available to inform our work on gun violence. Next week, I plan to reintroduce my bill to have the National Academy of Sciences study the link between violent content and children’s behavior."
Rockefeller's proposal calls for the NAS to "examine whether violent video games/programming cause kids to act aggressively or otherwise hurt their wellbeing, and whether that effect is distinguishable from other types of media. It also would look at the direct and long-lasting impact of violent content on a child’s well-being." It calls for a report to be submitted to Congress in 18 months, as well as to the FTC and the FCC.
Rockefeller's complete statement below:
“The President today announced a strong, comprehensive plan to protect our citizens from gun violence. In West Virginia, we have a proud tradition of hunting and understand the importance of the Second Amendment. We can protect those traditions and rights as we look at ways to prevent senseless acts of violence.
“Throughout my career, I’ve fought to reduce gun violence – including supporting the original ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines and eliminating loopholes in background checks for firearms purchases, as well as efforts to require child safety locks with every handgun purchase and prohibit domestic violence abusers from purchasing firearms. Today, I support steps that build on these ideas, while making sure our hunters’ and sportsmen’s rights are protected.
“The President’s plan also moves us toward increased access to mental health services. Medicaid pays for the bulk of mental health services, and we need to clarify that Medicaid plans must comply with mental health parity requirements while improving mental health services across the country.
“I think everyone can agree that the impact of violent content on our kids’ wellbeing is an important issue, and I’m glad this new plan will take a close look at it. I am working hard in the Senate to make sure this type of research – which I have strongly backed throughout my career – is available to inform our work on gun violence. Next week, I plan to reintroduce my bill to have the National Academy of Sciences study the link between violent content and children’s behavior.”
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