The widespread popularity of gaming and its evolution from offline to online has naturally raised many concerns for parents. Many of these issues arise from more general concerns about online child safety as opposed to actual gaming experiences, but studies show there is real potential for children to be negatively affected by violent imagery and other inappropriate content. Managing family life in an ever changing digital world can be complicated for parents and it’s often difficult to agree on what is best for the children. But is it illegal for your ex to let your children play 18 rated video games? Read on to find out.
The widespread popularity of gaming and its evolution from offline to online has naturally raised many concerns for parents. Many of these issues arise from more general concerns about online child safety as opposed to actual gaming experiences, but studies show there is real potential for children to be negatively affected by violent imagery and other inappropriate content. Managing family life in an ever changing digital world can be complicated for parents and it’s often difficult to agree on what is best for the children. But is it illegal for your ex to let your children play 18 rated video games? Read on to find out.
If you have a family law issue and you are concerned that you may require legal advice to understand your options, contact specialist family law solicitor Joanne Major. Joanne is the founder of her specialist family law firm and has spent her 25-year legal career specialising in family and matrimonial cases.
What does the law say?
The PEGI (Pan European Games Information) system informs the public about suitability of games, much in the same way as the British Board of Film Classification rate movies. PEGI’s professional analysts view hundreds of video games each year and decide what is suitable for different age groups using a set of criteria.
All games released in the UK, have one of the following PEGI age ratings on the packaging: 3, 7, 12, 16, or 18. These ratings mean that the game should not be played by a child under that age. Although the ratings are legally enforceable against retailers, who cannot sell or hire games to anyone below these ages, it doesn’t stop an adult or someone older from buying games for the child, or allowing them to play it.
Even though you may have introduced boundaries at home about what type of games your child can play, enforcement becomes problematic when they visit their friends, or the other parent who refuses to support the rules. And whilst at home you can set parental controls on devices, you cannot do so when they are at the other parent’s property.
What can I do to make my ex see my point of view?
It is always best to speak with your ex in the first instance and reach an agreement about the gaming issue. Set out your concerns in detail, such as your issues with exposing your child to violence, sexual content, or other imagery. Discuss the age and content ratings on games, and explain how they need to be treated in the same way as film classifications. Ask your ex if they would be so willing to let your child see an explicit or violent 18-rated movie. This may make them think more about the potential harm. If this doesn’t work or is not appropriate, mediation may be a way forward.
Can I take legal action to stop my ex letting our children play 18-rated games?
If you cannot resolve the issue by agreement or mediation, then you could take the matter to court. This would involve making a Specific Issue application to deal with the single problem at hand, or a Prohibited Steps Order which ultimately stops a parent exercising an element of parental responsibility, such as making certain decisions for the child. It should be borne in mind that both applications would be costly. Even if you managed to get what you wanted and the court agreed, the real-life problems in policing it when your child stays with your ex probably outweigh the expense and stress of the application and court proceedings.
As stated above, although it is not illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to play an 18-rated video game, if you are in a position where your ex is undermining your position, then obtaining some legal advice may assist. A solicitor’s letter sometimes goes a long way to resolving an issue.
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