Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

January 25, 2011 -

Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto, CA.) introduced a bill that mandates that "all video games with an Electronics Software Ratings Board rating of Teen or higher" must be sold with a health warning label. The bill is called "The Video Game Health Labeling Act of 2011" and would create a new rule within the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The label would read:

"WARNING: Excessive exposure to violent video games and other violent media has been linked to aggressive behavior."

"The video game industry has a responsibility to parents, families, and to consumers – to inform them of the potentially damaging content that is often found in their products," said Rep. Baca. "They have repeatedly failed to live up to this responsibility. Meanwhile research continues to show a proven link between playing violent games and increased aggression in young people. American families deserve to know the truth about these potentially dangerous products."

Rep. Baca cites "scientific studies from the Pediatrics Journal, University of Indiana, University of Missouri, and Michigan State University" that point to a "neurological link between playing violent video games and aggressive behavior in children and teenagers."

Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) is a co-signer of the bill.

"Just as we warn smokers of the health consequences of tobacco, we should warn parents – and children -- about the growing scientific evidence demonstrating a relationship between violent video games and violent behavior," Wolf said. "As a parent and grandparent, I think it is important people know everything they can about the extremely violent nature of some of these games."

"We must hold the video game industry accountable and do everything in our power to ensure parents are aware of the detrimental effects that violent games can have before making decisions on which games are appropriate for their children to play," concluded Rep. Baca. "I am proud to introduce the Video Game Health Labeling Act, and am hopeful this legislation can work to stop the growing influence of violent media on America’s children and youth."

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Comments

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by egreif on Thu, 01/27/2011 - 10:10.

I'm grateful and scornful of the class of congresspeople (all congress people, not just Baca) that are in our system. On one hand issues that could truly benefit our citizens are stalled by stubborn party members. On the other hand, it's fortunate that insignificant issues like the one Joe Baca pushes will be ignored.

what we really need is a way to review the laws currently on the federal and state level books and determine whether or not we really need those. This will ensure that the laws that actually make sense stay and help our society while those that needlessly stifle society will be pushed aside. Law books would become lean and efficient.

But there are plenty of good arguments that an inefficient government is best. I guess that is true, but we still need to not become apathetic and neglect to vote, and try to inform fellow voters.

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by Shahab on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 20:05.

MORE of this crap? If this is the worst they pass then fine, I think they'll find that like the Parental Advisory labels on music they only entice children to play these violent games.

You'd think by this time we'd be past all this, but I think we have another 20 years to go before all the old guard die off and only those who have grown up with and understand games will be around to make these decisions.

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by Chris Kimberley on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 18:21.

Has anyone else noticed that every (or nearly every) study that keeps getting cited shows a correlation between violent media and aggression? And only that?

The politicians keep saying it causes aggressive and/or violent behaviour. And I can't think of a single psychologist who has even noted a correlation to aggressive behaviour, let alone violence. I think a stats prof and someone from the APA need to go give some terminology lessons to the politicians.

Also, we should put warning labels on all equipment related to team sports. Participating in team sports (football, soccer, etc) also has a (probably stronger) correlation to aggression. Just you don't see a big news story because someone playing football gets pissed off and starts throwing punches.

===============

Chris Kimberley

===============

Chris Kimberley

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by ddrfr33k on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 18:38.

With all the hype about concussion warnings in the pee-wee sports leagues, I'm just waiting for a group of parents to drag their kids inside so the don't get hurt by that big scary world out there...

Treasure bin: Cult Hits, chea pass gaming options, and rants about gaming in general

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by Adamas Draconis on Wed, 01/26/2011 - 07:45.

Too late. I agree about safety measures, but some people today are just Nucking Futs!

Hunting the shadows of the troubled dreams.

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by Erik on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 18:11.

I propose a challenge for Mr. Baca. I shall look for studies which flat out that claim the exact opposite of the game studies that he is citing as well as studies which show a weak correlation rather than causality. He on the other hand gets to look for studies which show that cigarettes are not harmful.

Lets see who wins!

-Ultimately what will do in mankind is a person's fear of their own freedom-

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by killatia on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 17:26.

If your gonna put a warning label on the games then put a label on your forehead that states you may not know what the hell your talking about Mr. Joe Baca.

http://www.magicinkgaming.com/

http://www.killatia.com/

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by Positive_Gamer on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 17:26.

WARNING: Just being a human has been linked to aggressive behavior.

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by Dejiko on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 14:37.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z3-H-csk8I

Video related (in more ways than one)

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by edmoss87 on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 14:23.

"They have repeatedly failed to live up to this responsibility"

Have I crossed over into a parallel universe where the industry did not introduce age ratings, content descriptors, parental control systems on consoles and voluntary refusal of sale to minors? If so, then that comment makes perfect sense.

If parents are ignoring 'M' or 'T' rating labels, I would be sceptical about the effectiveness of another label. I could think of a better place to put that label...

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by M. Carusi on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 14:17.

He's just pandering in an age where targeting video games for political points is almost quaint. He couldn't even get this off the ground in 2009. Even if he did, good luck getting it passed in a Republican controlled House of Representatives that wants to scale back governmental control, Mr. Baca.

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by tallimar on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 13:37.

"The political industry has a responsibility to parents, families, and to consumers – to inform them of the potentially damaging content that is often found in their products," said Rep. Baca. "They have repeatedly failed to live up to this responsibility. Meanwhile research continues to show a proven link between passing bills and increased aggression in young people. American families deserve to know the truth about these potentially dangerous products."

fixed.

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by Roh02 on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 13:23.

WARNING politicians may contain lies ... and trace ammounts of nuts (heheh)

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For "Warning Labels" on Games

Submitted by BearDogg-X on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 13:29.

I see that retard is at it again. He filed this same piece of horseshit 2 years ago and nothing came of it:

gamepolitics.com/2009/01/12/new-bill-congress-would-add-cigarette-warning-labels-video-games

Geaux Saints, Geaux Tigers, Geaux Hornets, Jack Thompson can geaux chase a chupacabra. Hell will stay frozen over for quite a while since the Saints won the Super Bowl.

Geaux Saints, Geaux Tigers, Geaux Pelicans. Solidarity for the Saints = No retreat, no surrender. 2013 = Saints' revenge on the NFL. Even through the darkest days, this fire burns always.

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For "Warning Labels" on ...

Submitted by Thad on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 13:55.

"Retard". Classy.

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For "Warning Labels" on ...

Submitted by BearDogg-X on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 14:11.

Speaking the truth as always. Besides that, considering that Baca once called a congresswoman a "whore", he's not any "classier" than anyone else.

Geaux Saints, Geaux Tigers, Geaux Hornets, Jack Thompson can geaux chase a chupacabra. Hell will stay frozen over for quite a while since the Saints won the Super Bowl.

Geaux Saints, Geaux Tigers, Geaux Pelicans. Solidarity for the Saints = No retreat, no surrender. 2013 = Saints' revenge on the NFL. Even through the darkest days, this fire burns always.

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For "Warning Labels" on ...

Submitted by Rodrigo Ybáñez ... on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 14:15.

She called a congresswoman whore? Wow, how is that he is still on congress?

------------------------------------------------------------ My DeviantArt Page (aka DeviantCensorship): http://www.darkknightstrikes.deviantart.com

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For "Warning Labels" on ...

Submitted by BearDogg-X on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 14:21.

gamepolitics.com/2009/01/13/congressman-pushing-warning-labels-games-worst-10-list

Easy to stay in Congress when you're representing a state that mostly votes Democrat.

Geaux Saints, Geaux Tigers, Geaux Hornets, Jack Thompson can geaux chase a chupacabra. Hell will stay frozen over for quite a while since the Saints won the Super Bowl.

Geaux Saints, Geaux Tigers, Geaux Pelicans. Solidarity for the Saints = No retreat, no surrender. 2013 = Saints' revenge on the NFL. Even through the darkest days, this fire burns always.

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by Cheater87 on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 13:18.

Is this being put on movies, games, books and other forms or just "dem evil vidya games of Satan?"

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by Soldat_Louis on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 13:14.

Joe Baca ? I'm sure I've heard his name in a previous videogame-related controversy, but I can't remember when it was...

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by E. Zachary Knight on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 15:18.

I believe that he introduced this exact same bill a few years ago. So he has been reported on before.

E. Zachary Knight
Oklahoma City Chapter of the ECA
http://www.theeca.com/chapters_oklahoma

E. Zachary Knight
Divine Knight Gaming
OK Game Devs
Random Tower

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by Zerodash on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 13:02.

*sigh*

This shit is never going to end, is it?

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by ZippyDSMlee on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 12:56.

Politicians need warning labels......

I have a dream, break the chains of copy right oppression! http://zippydsmlee.wordpress.com/2010/05/21/cigital-disobedience/

---

http://zippydsm.deviantart.com/

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by Thad on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 13:54.

He's certainly making ME feel more aggressive.

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by Rodrigo Ybáñez ... on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 12:49.

WARNING: Politicians are stoopid.

Can´t wait to see his lame bill get on fire.

"I am proud to introduce the Video Game Health Labeling Act, and am hopeful this legislation can work to stop the growing influence of violent media on America’s children and youth."

Disgusting. Please, get a time machine and travel back to the 1950´s or earlier. You´ll be better there.

------------------------------------------------------------ My DeviantArt Page (aka DeviantCensorship): http://www.darkknightstrikes.deviantart.com

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by Neeneko on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 13:38.

The problem is... politicians are not stupid... voters are. The politicians do exactly what they need to do in order to keep thier job... he would not be doing this if his team did not think that it would make a good reelection point.

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by Rodrigo Ybáñez ... on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 14:13.

Well then, we should use a "politicians lie often" warning label instead.

------------------------------------------------------------ My DeviantArt Page (aka DeviantCensorship): http://www.darkknightstrikes.deviantart.com

Re: Congressman Joe Baca Pushes For Warning Labels on Games

Submitted by Dejiko on Tue, 01/25/2011 - 14:30.

I think everyone already knows that.

Shout box

MechaTama31: Of course, I'm looking at these tweets in isolation, I don't know a thing about the guy.10/19/2014 - 7:06pm

MechaTama31: If anything, the sarcastic implication seems to be that the SJW crowd is bringing back the bullying of nerds. But it's the GGers who are out for his blood? I'm lost...10/19/2014 - 7:01pm

MechaTama31: I don't really get this Sam Biddle thing. The reaction to his tweets seems to be taking them at face value, but... they're tongue in cheek. Right?10/19/2014 - 7:00pm

Andrew Eisen: I have it. The problem, so far as I can tell, is neither of them allow me to overlay my webcam feed or text links to my Extra-Life fundraising page.10/19/2014 - 4:08pm

quiknkold: and yes, its free10/19/2014 - 4:05pm

quiknkold: should grab Hauppauge capture. has mic support and can upload directly to youtube10/19/2014 - 4:05pm

Andrew Eisen: The former.10/19/2014 - 4:00pm

quiknkold: was it StreamEez, or the StreamEez feature in Hauppauge Capture? cause I know Capture has alot more support from the devs.10/19/2014 - 3:54pm

Andrew Eisen: I actually tried StreamEez last week. Flat out didn't work.10/19/2014 - 3:53pm

quiknkold: I use the Hauppauge Capture software's StreamEez. Arcsoft showbiz for recording. I just streamed a few hours of Persona 4 Golden with zero problem using the program. Xsplit is finniky when it comes to Hauppauge10/19/2014 - 3:40pm

Andrew Eisen: Trying to capture console games and broadcast with Open Broadcaster System because I've had technical difficulties using XSplit 3 weeks in a row.10/19/2014 - 3:37pm

quiknkold: and what are you trying to capture?10/19/2014 - 3:31pm

quiknkold: same one I have. ok. what program are you using?10/19/2014 - 3:31pm

Andrew Eisen: Haupaugge HD PVR 210/19/2014 - 3:28pm

quiknkold: What Capture Card are you using, Andrew10/19/2014 - 3:26pm

quiknkold: I know Biddle isnt Kotaku. he's just a employee. Its up to Kotaku if they want to punish him for being a public representative of Kotaku...well...I wouldnt be against it.10/19/2014 - 3:26pm

Andrew Eisen: Lovely, my capture card is not (yet) compatible with the broadcaster I want to use. Let's hope my workaround works!10/19/2014 - 3:19pm

Andrew Eisen: If you find Biddle's statement off-putting, then you're certainly directing your distaste at the correct entity.10/19/2014 - 3:18pm

quiknkold: as somebody who once had his skull fractured behind a grocery store as a kid because I was a nerd. Sam Biddle can eff himself with barbwire10/19/2014 - 2:59pm

Matthew Wilson: I dont agree with it, but that doesnt mean its not true sadly.10/19/2014 - 2:36pm

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