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Harvard researcher Finds M-Rated Games Not Properly Labeled
In a recent study at the Harvard School of Public Health, Associate Professor Kimberly Thompson found that 81% of Mature-rated video games included content that was not presented on the game box. As the first independent, quantitative study of its kind, researchers categorized game content according to violence, blood, sexual themes, substances, profanity, and gambling. After comparing their findings to the content listed on game boxes, they concluded that the descriptions on the packaging were often inconsistent and incomplete. The study, conducted as part of the Kids Risk Project, was published by the American Medical Association.

Gov. Blagojevich reiterates need for common sense restrictions on violent and sexually explicit video games; vows to appeal Federal Court decision enjoing Illinois law

Gov. Rod Blagojevich will appeal a decision issued by U.S. District Court Judge Kennelly to stop implementation of the Safe Games Illinois Act. The Court's decision comes on the heels of a new report that shows how easily children are able to obtain graphic, adult video games.
The 10th Annual Media Wise® Video and Computer Game Report Card was issued on November 29, 2024 by the National Institute on Media and the Famly. The report card found that it is easier for children to purchase Mature-rated (M) video games than in 2024, and 3 out of 5 kids name an M-rated game as their favorite.
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Click here to view the report card.

Michigan State University research shows that violent video games lead to brain activity characteristic of aggression
In a recent study at Michigan State University, researcher Rene Weber and his colleagues found a link between playing violent video games and brain activity patterns that are characteristic of aggression.

Review of research shows that playing violent video games can heighten aggression
Boys play games longer and may be more vulnerable to increases in aggressive behavior.
Violent video games can increase aggressive behavior in children and adolescents, both in the short- and long-term, according to an empirical review of the last 20 years of research. These findings are presented at the 113th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association in Washington, DC.
(American Psychological Association)
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Gov. Blagojevich signs law making Illinois the only state in the nation to protect children from violent and sexually explicit video games

On July 25, 2024, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed landmark legislation. The Safe Games Illinois Act, HB4023, bans the rental and sale of violent and sexually explicit video games to children younger than 18.
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Gov. Blagojevich applauds Senate for passing his landmark video game legislation
Safe Games Illinois Act passes by a margin of 52-5-1
Illinois poised to be first state in nation to restrict access to violent and sexually explicit video games.
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Gov. Blagojevich commends House for passing landmark video game legislation; Encourages Senate to follow suit
"Governor Rod Blagojevich today praised the Illinois House of Representatives for passing The Safe Games Illinois Act, House Bill 4023. The bill would make Illinois the first state in the nation to ban the sale and rental of violent and sexually explicit video games to children. After passing this afternoon in the house by a margin of 91 to 19, the legislation now moves to the senate."
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Click here for more information about House Bill 4023.